Wike orders demolition of suspected criminal hideout in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of an illegal settlement near Karmajiji in Kukwaba District, Abuja, describing it as a suspected hideout for criminals.

Wike gave the directive on Friday after leading security officials on an inspection of the settlement following a meeting of the FCT Security Committee.

He said the decision was aimed at strengthening security in Abuja, adding that intelligence reports indicated suspected criminals often returned to the area after carrying out attacks in different parts of the capital.

While inspecting the settlement, Wike said, “Look at the area. You don’t even know who the occupants are. How do you identify them? How do you know where to locate them? And this is inside the city.”

He added, “This is a time bomb. There’s no way we can allow this. The FCT Administration will not allow criminal hideouts to thrive in Abuja.”

The minister directed the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, to work with the Department of Development Control to demolish the settlement.

He warned that anyone using such locations to support criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.

Wike said the demolition formed part of the FCT Administration’s ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal hideouts, enhance public safety and protect residents. He also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustaining security operations across the territory to safeguard lives and property.