ABUJA: The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA has ordered security agencies to immediately shut down all illegal mining sites and unregistered Internally Displaced Persons IDP camps within the territory.
The order was issued on Tuesday following a security council meeting chaired by Minister Nyesom Wike.
According to FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, both illegal mining and unauthorized IDP camps pose significant security threats to the nation’s capital.
“The issue of illegal mining springing up around the city has equally been of concern,” Adewale stated. “You understand the security implications of this. He [Wike] has given a directive that those illegal mining sites be shut down.”
Adewale also announced that unauthorized IDP camps would be targeted, with residents of those camps subject to profiling. “If you have reasons to be here, you will be here. If you have no reason to be in the FCT, we will relocate you to where you belong,” he said.
In addition to these measures, the FCTA is launching a total clampdown on traffic offenders.
This includes motorists with covered number plates and those driving against traffic, also known as one-way driving.
The police commissioner described these actions as “life-threatening” and a contributor to crime.
Offenders will be “properly documented” and face consequences as part of the new enforcement drive.
Adewale also provided an update on the recent clash between farmers and herders in the Gwagwalada Area Council, confirming that a peace accord has been signed by all stakeholders.
Security services will maintain a presence in the area to ensure “permanent peace” and prevent any further conflicts.
He also disclosed that the 273 destitute individuals recently arrested during clearance operations are currently undergoing profiling at the Bwari Rehabilitation Centre.
