FCTA Vows Relentless Crackdown On Criminal Hideouts In Abuja — Wike’s Aide Declares

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged that the clearing of shanties and parks used as criminal hideouts within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will remain an ongoing effort.

According to iReporter Online, this follows a recent operation reported by the Nigerian Tribune, where the FCTA Development Control Department, Security Services, and Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) jointly cleared areas deemed major threats to the capital’s security and aesthetics.

The cleanup involved demolishing illegal structures, impounding vehicles, and seizing weapons, with follow-up mop-up operations planned to prevent the return of criminal elements.

The FCT Minister’s Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, revealed in a statement, according to iReporter Online, that the demolition of Jazz and Blues Entertainment at Panorama Recreational Park, Wuse Zone 3, was part of this targeted intervention.

He stressed that the action was based on credible intelligence and not persecution.

The statement highlighted that security agencies like the NDLEA and DSS identified numerous hideouts, including areas such as the Banana Green Belt, notorious for harboring criminals who assault innocent citizens before fleeing into the vegetation to evade arrest.

The FCTA, in collaboration with security agencies, launched the city-wide cleanup on August 6, 2025, targeting these criminal hideouts to restore safety and order across the Federal Capital City.

Prior to the demolition, the park management had been issued multiple contravention notices starting from February 2024 through to a final eviction order in July 2025, all of which were ignored.

Despite some media claims suggesting abruptness, the FCTA clarified that vital park facilities like the football field, gymnasium, and viewing platforms remain fully operational.

The administration emphasized that no individual, regardless of their service record, is permitted to harbor criminal activities that threaten public safety.

According to iReporter Online, the FCTA assured that this cleanup effort will continue and expand to other districts within the Federal Capital City, as part of its commitment to building a safe, secure, and pleasant environment for residents to live, work, and recreate.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”