By Pius Awunah
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced the demolition of more than 1,000 shacks and illegal structures obstructing a major road corridor in Karsana, near Bunkoro District in Gwarinpa.
The Director of Development Control,Mr.Muktar Galadima announced this on Monday,August 25,2025, during a citywide sanitation exercise carried out by the FCTA joint task force.
He said the operation targeted illegal squatters and individuals of “questionable character” residing along the proposed Ring Road 3 corridor.
“Today’s exercise is along the proposed Ring Road 3 corridor at the intersection of N16 and RR3, where we have Mab Global Estate.
“You can see the shanties, squatters, and people of questionable character. As part of the citywide sanitation to enhance security, we are continuing the operation as planned,” Galadima said.
He explained that most of the demolished structures were temporary shelters built with wood and other weak materials.
“So far, we’ve cleared more than 1,000 shanties, and we are still progressing. The entire road stretch is about 2 kilometres, filled with similar illegal structures,” he added.
Galadima noted that indigenous homes were spared, stressing that the Department of Resettlement and Compensation was involved in identifying genuine properties along the route.
Also speaking, Adamu Gwary, the FCTA Director of Security Services Development, represented by Peter Olumuji, said the demolition had eased safety concerns raised by residents of nearby estates.
“There is a clear nexus between development control and the security of lives and property.
“We observed that criminal elements often hide their shanties behind indigenous communities, using them as cover,” he said.
Gwary added that although no arrests were made, the clean-up would continue.
He also defended the ongoing crackdown on vehicles with tinted windows, insisting that many permits were forged and linked to “one-chance” robberies.
“We’ve conducted clearance operations in the city centre, focusing on tinted glass vehicles due to consistent reports that they are being used for criminal activities,” he said.
