FCTA to clear shanties over rising security threats

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to clear all illegal settlements and shanties across Abuja, particularly those serving as hideouts for criminals and obstructing government projects. According to a statement on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, shanties in Area […]

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to clear all illegal settlements and shanties across Abuja, particularly those serving as hideouts for criminals and obstructing government projects.

According to a statement on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, shanties in Area 1, Durumi District, have become notorious for crimes such as robbery, carjacking, drug peddling, and one-chance operations.

“High-level criminal activities with attendant security implications to law-abiding FCT residents cannot be allowed to continue,” he stated.

Olayinka recalled that during a joint security operation in the area three months ago, over 120 suspects were arrested, while seven stolen vehicles, 79 motorcycles, and 155 ATM cards taken from victims were recovered.

He regretted that despite earlier clearance exercises, the shanties have resurfaced, with criminals regrouping and making the environment unsafe for residents.

He noted that the illegal structures also occupy lands allocated more than two decades ago, preventing private landowners and government agencies from developing their plots.