The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has carried out the demolition of 11 duplexes in the Dutse District of Abuja, citing safety violations and non-compliance with approved development regulations. The affected buildings were reportedly constructed beneath high-tension power lines and along a natural water channel, posing significant danger to lives and properties in the area. According to the Director of Development Control, Mr. Muktar Galadima, who supervised the demolition exercise on Thursday, the developers had been served multiple notices by the department to halt the illegal construction. However, they failed to comply, prompting the FCTA to take decisive action to restore order and ensure public safety. Mr. Galadima emphasized that the FCTA’s Development Control Department remains committed to enforcing the Abuja Master Plan, adding that structures erected on restricted or hazardous sites would not be spared, regardless of their level of completion. He also warned developers against encroaching on public utilities and natural corridors such as power lines, road setbacks, and stream channels. The demolition exercise serves as a stern reminder to property developers and landowners within the Federal Capital Territory to adhere strictly to building regulations and obtain necessary approvals before commencing construction. Authorities further noted that the disregard for these laws contributes to flooding, environmental degradation, and potential electrocution hazards, which endanger the lives of residents. Residents of Dutse District were seen expressing mixed reactions to the demolition, with some supporting the government’s move as necessary for urban safety, while others called for more transparent communication between developers and regulatory agencies to prevent future occurrences. The FCTA reiterated that all illegal structures built in violation of approved plans or on reserved land would continue to face enforcement actions to preserve Abuja’s planned infrastructure and environmental integrity.
In a continued effort to protect and maintain order in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the City Sanitation Operation team has intensified its crackdown on illegal structures and unapproved shanties scattered across the capital city. This sweeping exercise, aimed at safeguarding lives and property, recently targeted a popular location known as Cashew Garden in the Apo district of Abuja. The demolition was supervised by the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who led the team to dismantle unauthorized constructions in the area. Speaking during the operation, Galadima reassured Abuja residents that the exercise was a crucial part of the administration’s strategy to eliminate criminal hideouts and ensure public safety. “You will recall,” he stated, “that we have previously carried out similar exercises in areas such as Zone 3, Wuse, and UTC, following directives from the FCT Security Committee. Today, our focus is Apo — removing shanties and dislodging individuals who pose security threats to residents.” Galadima clarified that the FCT Administration (FCTA) had never granted permission or approval for the structures demolished in Apo. He further warned that any land allocation used to harbor criminal activities would be revoked without hesitation. He explained that the Apo site was originally designated for residential purposes, with formal allocations already made to legitimate landowners. However, some allottees failed to develop their plots within the stipulated timeframe, leaving the area vulnerable to illegal occupation. “As directed by the FCT Security Committee, we are reclaiming the land. This area has already been planned with a properly defined road corridor, demarcated by a deep trench. We intend to take full possession of it,” Galadima emphasized. Also present at the demolition was Adamu Gwary, the Director of the FCTA Security Services Department. Describing the action as a vital clean-up exercise, Gwary noted that it would significantly reduce the operational space for criminals and discourage illegal activities in the territory. Representing the Secretary of Command and Control, Dr. Peter Olumuji, Gwary expressed concern that some individuals occupying these shanties were involved in illicit drug activities, posing a heightened security risk. He assured residents that the ongoing operations would continue until the capital city was free from such threats, making the FCT a safer environment for all.
