The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun a renewed clearance of shanties in Abuja, citing security concerns and obstruction of developmental projects in the city centre.

According to the FCTA, the shanties, particularly in Durumi District and Area 1 in Garki, have become operational bases for criminals engaged in robbery, carjacking, drug peddling, and “one-chance” operations.

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, confirmed in a statement on Monday that the illegal settlements posed a threat to residents and hindered access to allocated lands.
“Three months ago, when security agencies carried out an operation in Area 1, Durumi, over 120 miscreants were arrested,” Olayinka said. “Among those arrested in the operation that lasted over three hours were drug peddlers, one-chance operators, carjackers and armed robbers. Seven stolen vehicles, and 79 stolen motorcycles were recovered, while 155 ATM cards were recovered. These ATM cards were those snatched from victims of one-chance operators, using the settlement as their base.”

He added that despite earlier demolitions, the shanties had re-emerged, with criminals regrouping in the area.
“Today, the shanties are back and the criminals have regrouped, making the area unhabitable for law-abiding Nigerians,” he said.

The FCTA also noted that the makeshift structures occupy land allocated more than 20 years ago, preventing both private allottees and government agencies from developing their property.

To address the situation, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike established a Stakeholders Committee consisting of security agencies, FCTA officials, civil society groups, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). The committee identified the Durumi and Area 1 settlements as priority zones for clearance.
“Consequently, the FCTA is already clearing shanties in the Abuja City Centre, and those in Area 1, Durumi will be cleared very soon,” Olayinka said.

The administration reiterated that the operation is part of an ongoing effort to improve security and create an enabling environment for urban development in the Federal Capital Territory.