FCTA recovers weapons, impounds 20 vehicles in Abuja clearance operation

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has recovered dangerous weapons and impounded about 20 vehicles during a clearance operation in Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, targeting suspected criminal hideouts.

The task force, led by Tpl. Muktar Galadima, Director of the Department of Development Control, conducted the operation in the early hours of Wednesday, August 6, 2025, despite heavy rainfall.

The area, known for its growing number of shanties and illegal activities, was described as a significant security concern.

Speaking to journalists, Galadima explained that the exercise followed a directive from the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, instructing the multi-sectoral ministerial task force to intensify efforts in sanitising the capital city. He emphasized that the cleared location was illegally occupied and had been designated for a road project in the Abuja master plan—specifically, the Inner Northern Expressway corridor.

“We identified a location posing serious security and aesthetic challenges to the city and have successfully cleared it. The occupants were not only illegal but also of questionable character,” Galadima stated.

He also revealed plans for a mop-up exercise on Thursday and urged property owners in the area to begin proper development of their land in line with the minister’s directive, warning that undeveloped plots could be revoked.

Director of the Department of Security Services, Adamu Gwary, represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, presented weapons recovered from the area, including machetes allegedly used by criminals to attack passers-by. He said the criminals often launch assaults from the area, targeting people near the National Mosque and Zone 1 bridges.

“These weapons are typically used in attacks where victims are not only robbed but sometimes severely injured,” Olumuji said, noting that police reports from the area confirmed such incidents.

Deborah Osho, Head of Operations at the Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS), also known as VIO, disclosed that 20 vehicles were impounded during the operation.

She noted that some of the vehicles were linked to “one-chance” criminal activities. She added that the vehicles would be properly documented and their owners would face stiff penalties before retrieval.