FCTA asks criminals residing in Abuja to vacate city

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned residents with criminal tendencies to vacate Abuja.

Peter Olumuji, secretary of FCTA command and control joint city enforcement team, gave the warning on Sunday during the ongoing clean up operations in some parts of Abuja.

Olumuji said the FCTA is busting hideouts to rid the capital territory of criminals.

He said through credible intelligence from security agencies, the team busted a criminal hideout around AYA roundabout and environs, in Asokoro district, adding that the team recovered illicit drugs in one of the hideouts and dislodged criminal elements attacking residents in the area.

“We have got reports that people are being attacked around the area mostly at night, and so we raided their locations and dislodged them,” NAN quoted Olumuji as saying.

“Although we have not made any arrest, it is nonetheless a good development for those traversing the area, especially in the night.”

He said the exercise was a continuation of the FCTA’s commitment to keeping the city safe for residents.

Olumiji warned that the city would no longer be conducive for criminals, adding that the enforcement team would continue to bust all criminal hideouts within the capital city.

“We are, therefore, advising all residents with criminal tendencies to change or relocate to wherever they came from,” he said.

Olumuji added that the team also raided and dislodged notorious spots known for causing environmental nuisance, ranging from refuse littering, illegal markets, auto mechanic workshops and motor parks.

The team, he said, also cleared environmental nuisances around court of appeal junction, federal secretariat complex, eagle square and Nicon junction axis of Shehu Shagari Way.

He said the team is made up of officials drawn from Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) and security personnel.

On his part, Kaka Bello, AEPB deputy director of monitoring and enforcement, said the working synergy among the agencies is yielding the desired results in addressing environmental nuisance in Abuja.

Bello assured that the agencies would continue to work as a team to keep the city clean and safe.

Deborah Osho, DRTS deputy director of operations, described the exercise as a “huge success”. She said the team impounded about 11 vehicles from illegal parks and mechanic workshops in the city.

Osho added that seven tricycles were seized for alleged route violation.