By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has carried out a clearance operation at the UTC Complex in Abuja, dismantling structures it described as a hub for criminal activity.
Director of Development Control, TPL Mukhtar Galadima, said the operation, ordered by the FCT Security Council, began with the removal of a nearby dumpsite and extended to areas occupied by hoodlums. The cleared land, part of the Abuja Master Plan’s transit way corridor, will be fenced to prevent encroachment.
Galadima dismissed social media claims of a garden demolition in Zone 3, stating that the Panorama Park remains intact and that only makeshift structures and shanties were removed after multiple prior notices.
Director of Security, Dr Peter Olumuji, reported a significant drop in crime in recently cleared areas, citing police statistics. He added that criminal suspects have been arrested, profiled for prosecution, and displaced gangs tracked under “Operation Sweep Abuja,” which has recovered several machetes used in attacks.
