The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a fresh demolition exercise targeting illegal structures in the Lugbe area of Abuja. The move, part of a broader crackdown on land grabbing, saw the removal of 10 buildings, including duplexes and bungalows, at various stages of construction in the Sabon Lugbe Southwest area, within the phase five district of the Federal Capital City (FCC).
Led by the Department of Development Control and supported by joint security forces, the operation marks the start of an aggressive enforcement drive to eliminate unauthorized developments in areas notorious for land use violations. These areas include Lugbe, Idu Train Station (now part of Gosa and Kyami), and Apo Tarfi. The FCTA warned that up to 50 structures may be demolished as the exercise continues.
Tpl Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the Department of Development Control, stressed the importance of adhering to legal procedures when purchasing land. He cautioned buyers to ensure that any property they intend to acquire has proper titles and development approvals to avoid falling victim to land grabbers.
“We are here today to start the removal of illegal structures in Sabon Lugbe,” Galadima said. “We’ve only taken down about 10 buildings so far, but this is just the beginning. More will follow as we intensify efforts to rid Abuja of unauthorized developments. We urge the public to be vigilant and ensure they purchase properly titled land to avoid these consequences.”
The FCTA also warned against false claims by land grabbers who promise integration into phase 5 of the FCC. “There is no such thing as integration of illegal structures,” Galadima added. “Illegality will not be tolerated, and we will continue to remove all unauthorized developments.”
The department noted that the FCTA’s Urban and Regional Planning unit is working diligently on the design and upgrading of phase 5 into the Abuja Masterplan, which will guide the legal development of the area moving forward.
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