FCTA Demolishes ‘Cashew Garden’ Shanties in Apo Over Security Concerns

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished the popular “Cashew Garden” settlement in Apo as part of its ongoing City Sanitation Operation to rid Abuja of illegal structures and criminal hideouts.

Led by Development Control Director Mukhtar Galadima, the team cleared shanties and unapproved buildings in the area, warning that any land allocation linked to criminal activities would be revoked. He said the land was designated for residential purposes but had been left undeveloped, adding, “We are going to take over the area; we are going to possess it.”

Galadima noted that the exercise follows similar cleanups in Wuse’s Zone 3 and UTC, all in line with directives from the FCT Security Committee. He stressed that no formal approvals were granted for the demolished structures.

Adamu Gwary, Director of the FCTA Security Services Department, described the operation as a security measure to deter criminal activities, including drug trafficking. He said the clearance would make it more difficult for miscreants to operate in the city.