FCTA Refutes Park Demolition Claims, Steps Up Cleanup of Criminal Hotspots Around UTC

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismissed social media claims alleging the demolition of a public park in Abuja, clarifying that its recent enforcement only targeted illegal makeshift structures.

FCT Director of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, said the park in question, allocated to Panorama, remains intact, with its playground, gym, and lounge untouched. “Only scavengers’ shanties and other illegal structures were removed,” he stated.

The sanitation operation, part of a directive from the FCT Security Council, is aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts, removing illegal traders, and clearing refuse dumps in identified hotspots.

At the UTC Complex in Area 3, teams first cleared a large dumpsite before pulling down shanties allegedly used by hoodlums.

Galadima stressed that the location forms part of an undeveloped transit corridor linking AMAC to Wuse Zone 3, which will be fenced and reserved for transportation use to prevent encroachment. He emphasised that notices for the clearance were issued as far back as October 2023, with further reminders in 2024 and February 2025.

The FCTA Director of Security, Peter Olumuji, confirmed the exercise has already reduced crime in affected zones, noting that Operation Sweep is running alongside city sanitation to sustain safety gains. He assured that regular mop-up exercises will follow to stop illegal reoccupation.

Both officials reiterated that the cleanup is a planned, ongoing effort to restore order and protect Abuja’s urban development plan, not a sudden demolition of public amenities.