By Esther Ososanya
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) City Sanitation Taskforce has demolished a notorious criminal hideout in Abuja’s Apo Resettlement area. The demolition is part of ongoing efforts to clear “dark spots” across the city.
Officials revealed that the location had long served as a base for suspected armed robbers, drug dealers, and other miscreants. Intelligence reports also linked it to several violent crimes in the area.
Speaking during the exercise on Thursday, Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, said the spot posed a direct threat to security in Apo and surrounding communities.
“This is one of the city’s most notorious dark spots,” Galadima stated. “Credible intelligence, including reports of killings, is tied to this location. That alone justifies its removal.”
According to him, the operation is part of broader measures to keep criminals away from green areas and undeveloped plots.
Residents’ Complaints Prompt Swift Action
Director of Security Services, Adamu Gwary, said residents had repeatedly complained about crimes linked to the hideout. Represented by the Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, Dr. Peter Olumuji, he noted that the area had become a haven for criminals.
“Just weeks ago, over 50 armed robbers tried to attack residents here,” Olumuji said. “A swift response from the FCT Police Command and other security agencies stopped the assault from escalating.”
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The Apo demolition follows similar taskforce operations in other parts of Abuja. On August 6, the team cleared illegal structures in Wuse Zone 3. It also moved to UTC on Monday, and on Tuesday, it dismantled shanties known as “Cashew Garden” in Apo Cadastral Zone E27.
Officials stressed that the campaign will continue until all known hideouts are eliminated, ensuring greater safety for residents.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
