The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has granted the authority to area councils in the nation’s capital to dismantle uncompleted structures. 

Wike made this announcement during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in the Gwagwalada area council on Friday.

The purpose behind this authorization, as stated by Wike, is to eliminate uncompleted structures that serve as havens and hideouts for criminals. 

During the meeting, he directed the chairman of the council to submit a letter seeking approval for the demolition of such structures, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Wike conveyed a sense of urgency, stating, “By Monday (22nd January 2024), the chairman should bring the letter for me to approve the demolition of uncompleted structures where criminals are hibernating. Don’t behave like civil servants. Today is Friday. Ensure you bring the letter by Monday, and I will happily approve it.”

The move comes in response to heightened insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, with Wike noting that some individuals aiding kidnappers have already been apprehended. 

The decision to grant area councils the power to demolish structures is part of a broader effort to address security concerns, particularly in light of recent incidents, such as the killing of three out of 10 abducted victims in an Abuja community due to delays in the payment of a ransom exceeding N700 million.