Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian government over what it described as a “display of utter disdain” against its people following a series of forced evictions in Abuja.
The global human rights organization criticized the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), stating that these evictions, often carried out without consultation, notice, compensation, or alternative housing, have only worsened the living conditions of affected residents.
According to Amnesty International, the FCTA, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, has been using a violent task force team known as “Operation Sweep” to remove residents forcibly from their homes in the Lugbe area and other parts of Abuja.
The organization argues that the operation violates the rule of law, disregards the rights of residents, and exacerbates homelessness in a city already struggling with a severe housing crisis.
“In flagrant violation of the rule of law, the FCT administration has been carrying out forced evictions without any consultation, adequate notice, compensation or alternative housing being offered to those affected.
This government’s utter disdain for the people must end,” Amnesty International said in a statement. “FCT’s violent task team named ‘Operation Sweep’ must end its ruthless attacks on the poor and also end attempts to shamelessly link poverty with crimes.”
The group warned that forced evictions and demolition practices not only fail to address the underlying issues of poverty and housing scarcity but also create additional problems by leaving residents homeless and more vulnerable. “Resorting to forced evictions only creates more problems – and homelessness – in a city with a shocking housing crisis,” Amnesty said.
Amnesty International’s call for change comes amid growing unrest in Abuja. On November 8, residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), along with human rights activists, staged a protest against what they described as the “grabbing” of land from low-income communities by the FCTA. The protestors accused Minister Wike of seizing land from the poor to benefit wealthier individuals.
Among the demonstrators was prominent human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who urged Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt what he described as “wicked policies” that displace hundreds of people from their homes.
Social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as “VeryDarkMan,” also condemned the government’s actions, highlighting the oppression faced by low-income residents who have lost their land and homes.
Wike’s administration has faced criticism for demolishing houses without prior notice, leaving affected residents no time to prepare or find alternative shelter. Videos captured during the demolition exercises show victims lamenting the destruction of their homes and the perceived injustice against them by the FCT administration.
As protests continue, Amnesty International is demanding an immediate end to what it calls “ruthless attacks” on Abuja’s poorest communities and is urging the Nigerian government to find alternative solutions that respect human rights and provide adequate housing options.