Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to clearing shanties and parks that serve as criminal hideouts throughout the territory.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, stated that the FCTA, in collaboration with other security agencies, began a comprehensive cleanup operation on August 6 across the capital city. This initiative aims to dismantle criminal hideouts and ensure public safety in line with Abuja’s Development Control Regulations.
The FCTA Development Control, Security Services Department, and Directorate of Road Transport Services have already targeted and cleared several areas deemed security risks. This exercise involves removing illegal structures, impounding vehicles, and seizing weapons, followed by a mop-up operation to prevent the return of criminal elements.
As part of the cleanup, the demolition of Jazz and Blues Entertainment at Panorama Recreational Park, Wuse Zone 3, was conducted. Intelligence gathered from surveillance and undercover investigations revealed that part of the park was linked to organized criminal networks operating within the FCT.
Despite claims of abrupt action, the FCTA had previously issued multiple Contravention Notices to the park’s management. Initial notice was given in February 2024, followed by three more between October 2024 and June 2025, culminating in a final eviction order on July 25, 2025. However, these notices were ignored.
The FCTA clarified that key facilities within the park, such as the football field and gymnasium, remain operational, emphasizing that the cleanup targeted only criminal elements. The administration acknowledged retired Air Commodore Balogun Abayomi’s service but stressed that national service does not justify harboring criminal activities.
Olayinka stated that the cleanup is a public safety measure based on credible intelligence, not a targeted persecution. Security agencies, including the NDLEA and DSS, have identified multiple locations serving as criminal hideouts across the city, notably the Banana Green Belt and surrounding areas. Innocent citizens have reportedly been assaulted in these areas, with assailants seeking refuge in the dense vegetation cover to avoid arrest.