As part of ongoing efforts to restore order and safety in the Federal Capital City, the Abuja City Sanitation task force, on Monday, embarked on the removal of shanties and roadside commercial activities around the UTC area in Area 10, Garki.
The operation, led by the Director of the Department of Development Control, Tpl. Muktar Galadima, followed directives from the FCT Security Council to rid identified hotspots of criminal activities and protect public spaces.
“The UTC is one of the areas listed as a hotspot or dark spot. On our way here, we noticed a refuse dump left unattended, which we had to clear before addressing the main area where hoodlums operate,” Galadima explained, adding that the situation on ground was “disturbing and alarming,” hence the need for decisive action.
Galadima disclosed that the affected area falls within the Abuja Phase 1 transit corridor as outlined in the Abuja Master Plan. The corridor runs from Area 10 through the Abuja Municipal Area Council headquarters, Ministry of Defence, Wuse, Fraser Suites, and Wuse Zone 3. Although yet to be developed, the transitway system is being maintained and safeguarded against encroachment.
He revealed that once cleared, the FCT Administration plans to fence off the area and put the land to productive, development-friendly use.
Addressing concerns about the eviction process, Galadima stressed that the affected persons were duly informed. “Reminders were sent last week, and notices had been served since October 2023, again in 2024, and in February 2025,” he said. Meetings were also held with mechanics and scavengers in the area to discuss the planned sanitation exercise.
He clarified misconceptions from a social media video criticizing past operations in Wuse Zone 3, stating that only illegal makeshift structures — similar to scavenger shanties — were removed, while the official Panorama Park remains intact with its playground, gym, and lounge still in place.
“The park was not destroyed. All other facilities remain. What we cleared were unapproved, makeshift structures. Adequate notices were served,” he reiterated.
The Abuja City Sanitation initiative continues as part of the FCTA’s broader strategy to maintain law and order, protect the integrity of the city’s master plan, and create a cleaner, safer environment for residents and visitors.
