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 known as Ruga, located near Karmajiji in the Kukwaba District of Abuja, citing security concerns.

The directive was issued on Friday after the minister led a team of security operatives to the settlement following a meeting of the FCT Security Committee.

According to Wike, intelligence reports suggest that suspected criminals have been using the settlement as a hideout after carrying out attacks in various parts of the Federal Capital Territory. He said the operation is part of the FCT Administration's ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal enclaves and strengthen security across Abuja.

Expressing concern over the settlement, the minister noted that many of its occupants could not be easily identified, making it difficult for security agencies to effectively monitor activities in the area.

"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," Wike said.

Describing the settlement as a significant security risk, he added that the FCT Administration would not allow locations believed to serve as criminal hideouts to continue operating within the nation's capital.

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

Wike also warned that anyone found using such locations to facilitate criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.

He said the exercise forms part of a broader strategy to disrupt criminal networks, improve public safety, and safeguard lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory, reaffirming the administration's commitment to sustained security operations in Abuja.