The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Ministerial Task Force on Urban Sanitation has successfully dismantled over 1,000 unauthorized structures along the Karasana-Bunkoro Road corridor within the Gwarinpa district of Abuja.
This initiative forms part of a comprehensive citywide campaign aimed at eradicating informal settlements that have become hotspots for criminal activities and illegal occupancy.
Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of Development Control who supervised the operation, explained that the focus was on the proposed Ring Road 3 corridor near the N16 junction, close to MAP Global Estate.
“This corridor has long been plagued by makeshift dwellings and individuals involved in unlawful activities. Our objective is to bolster security as an integral component of the broader urban sanitation drive,” Galadima stated.
He added, “To date, we have cleared more than 1,000 illegal structures, but the task remains ongoing. Numerous other unauthorized buildings along this two-kilometer stretch still require removal.”
“Although the Ring Road 3 project is yet to be officially commissioned, we are proactively advancing development efforts around the N16 area. It is imperative to implement measures that prevent the resurgence of these illegal settlements,” he emphasized.
Regarding the indigenous populations residing within the corridor, Galadima noted that the Department of Resettlement and Compensation has been engaged to identify and address the needs of these communities.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that our clearance activities do not adversely affect the livelihoods of native inhabitants. In tomorrow’s meeting, representatives from the Resettlement and Compensation Department will join us to help distinguish between indigenous residents and unauthorized occupants,” he explained.
Supporting the operation’s security objectives, the FCT Director of Security, Adamu Gwary, was represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, who highlighted the significance of the clearance.
“This area has been a source of concern for local residents due to its association with criminal elements. There is a direct link between effective development control and the protection of lives and property,” Olumuji remarked.
“Criminals frequently establish makeshift shelters near indigenous communities, exploiting them as cover for illicit activities,” he added.
“The community has expressed gratitude for the FCT administration’s decisive action. This clearance marks a vital milestone, and we pledge to maintain vigilant monitoring and security to prevent any recurrence,” he concluded.
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