Adedokun Waliyu 
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, over allegations that it is being used as a hideout by criminal elements.
Wike gave the directive after leading a team of security operatives to the settlement following a meeting of the FCT Security Committee.
According to the minister, the demolition is part of the FCT Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve security and eliminate criminal hideouts across the nation’s capital.
He said intelligence reports indicated that suspected criminals often return to the settlement after carrying out attacks in different parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Expressing concern over the settlement, Wike noted that many of its occupants could not be properly identified, making it difficult for security agencies to monitor activities or track suspects.
He 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.”
Describing the settlement as a major security threat, 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 ensure the immediate demolition of the settlement.
He also warned that anyone found using such locations to support or engage in criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
Wike explained that the operation is part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks, strengthen public safety, and protect residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
He reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to sustaining security operations across Abuja, emphasizing that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority.
