In an effort to reclaim lands unlawfully taken by developers, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has instructed all pertinent security agencies to safeguard ongoing demolition efforts and guarantee the full recovery of encroached land.
This strong directive came during Wike’s on-site evaluation of an illegal construction site, where he was joined by high-ranking security officials, including the Guards Brigade Commander, the Director of the FCT Department of State Security, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Wike expressed his astonishment and dismay at the sight of individuals posing as investors who had begun construction on land without the required approvals.
During his inspection, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to recovering all unlawfully occupied land, cautioning land grabbers with a firm statement: “We will not accept any illegal land acquisition or breach of the FCT’s development protocols.”
The demolition team, tasked with reclaiming land occupied by approximately 50 illegal duplexes and bungalows, has faced some pushback.
In response, Wike has directed security personnel to eliminate any threats to the demolition operations, ensuring the team can perform their duties without interference.
He also challenged developers who claim to have legitimate documents and permits to present them for verification, asserting that no illegal structure would be spared during the operation.
This crackdown is part of a larger initiative aimed at enforcing land-use regulations within the FCT, targeting notorious areas known for illegal land grabbing, such as Sabon Lugbe, Idu Train Station, and Kyami.
Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, discussed the operation, stating that it is intended to combat the widespread violations of land-use laws across the capital.
“We are conducting a removal exercise in Sabon Lugbe Southwest, part of the Phase 5 district of the Federal Capital City. We began with around 10 structures, but we will return tomorrow with a larger force,” Galadima noted.
He clarified that this demolition effort is a continuation of an enforcement campaign already underway, specifically designed to protect individuals from falling prey to land grabbers who falsely assert that illegal developments will be assimilated into the city’s planning framework. “There’s no possibility of integrating illegal developments into Phase 5. Illegality remains illegality, and we will persist in our removal efforts,” Galadima emphasized.
During his visit, Wike made it abundantly clear that the administration will not relent in its pursuit of reclaiming illegally occupied land, regardless of the extent of construction on those properties.
The existence of nearly 50 illegal structures, including duplexes and bungalows, highlights the urgency of the issue in areas like Lugbe, Idu Train Station, and Kyami. Wike’s administration is determined to restore these lands in accordance with the laws governing the Federal Capital Territory.
