FCTA clears UTC, vows to sustain anti-crime sanitation efforts
ABUJA: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has carried out a major clearance exercise at the popular UTC Complex and its surroundings, targeting what it described as a “dark spot” and hideout for criminal elements.
The Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, told journalists on-site that the operation was part of a broader city sanitation and security programme. He explained that the exercise began with the removal of a dumpsite near the UTC Complex before extending to the main area where suspected hoodlums were operating.
According to Galadima, the FCT Security Council directed the clearance, which will be sustained to ensure lasting results. The reclaimed land, located within the transit way corridor of the Abuja Master Plan, will be fenced to prevent future encroachment.
“In the Abuja Master Plan and the Land Use Act for Phase One and Garki District, this is part of the transit way corridor. It has not been developed yet, but it is being maintained and protected against any attempt at land grabbing,” he said.
Addressing social media backlash over the alleged demolition of a garden in Zone 3, Galadima clarified that the park, allocated to Panorama, was never destroyed. He noted that proper procedures were followed, with notices served as far back as October 2023 and again in 2024 and February 2025.
“The park is still intact. If you go there today, the playground, gym, and lounge are still in place. We only removed makeshift structures and scavengers’ shanties,” he stated.
The Director of Security, represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, added that the clearance was part of a deliberate strategy to dismantle criminal hideouts. He said crime rates in recently cleared areas have dropped significantly, citing statistics from the FCT Police Command.
“Since we began this operation a week ago, crime rates in affected areas have reduced drastically. Arrested suspects are being profiled for prosecution, and our ‘Operation Sweep Abuja’ is tracking displaced criminals to other locations,” Olumuji revealed.
He further disclosed that several machetes used in attacks on residents had been recovered.
Meanwhile, the Area 7 Pedestrian Association has appealed to the FCTA and local authorities to clear a major road in the area. The association’s Vice Chairman, Clifford Azarama, commended the administration’s efforts but urged more consistent collaboration.
He complained that workers sent to the area often fail to cooperate with the association, despite repeated calls for assistance. To address the problem, Azarama said the group’s own task force would be mobilised to manage traffic and parking, with “No Parking” signs to be mounted.
The association also plans to partner with other local businesses to maintain order and keep the area organized.