Nigeria, Sept. 2 -- The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the ongoing demolition of shanties and illegal structures in Abuja, insisting that the exercise is aimed at improving security and restoring order within the capital city.

Speaking during his monthly media parley with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Mr Wike said the makeshift settlements had become havens for criminals, including those involved in the notorious 'one-chance' robberies and other security threats.

He emphasised that the exercise is a critical component of the government's commitment to public safety and will continue until all criminal hideouts are cleared.

"We cannot joke with security. Shanties make it possible for crimina...