Abuja Communities Face Possible Demolition as Army Sets August 12 Deadline

Hope Ajayi August 10, 2026 2 minutes read

ABUJA, Nigeria – Residents of Angwa Dio and Angwa Shibaba communities in Tungamaje, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, are facing possible displacement as an August 12 deadline reportedly issued by the Nigerian Army for them to vacate their homes approaches.

The directive has triggered anxiety among residents; many of whom say they fear losing their homes and livelihoods without a clear relocation plan or adequate information about what will happen to their properties.

The communities were initially expected to vacate the affected areas by Saturday, August 8, but residents said the deadline was extended by five days following appeals and interventions by community leaders and other stakeholders.

However, affected residents said they had yet to receive clear information about where they would relocate or what arrangements, if any, had been made to address their properties and livelihoods.

One resident said the uncertainty had left families deeply worried.

“We are only asking for fairness and a chance to protect what belongs to us. Some of these houses are where our families have lived for years, and we cannot simply leave without knowing what will happen to us,” the resident said.

Another resident said some families had begun moving their belongings because they feared the deadline could result in the demolition of their homes.

“People are afraid because we do not know what will happen when the deadline expires. Some families have nowhere to go, and many of us have invested everything we have in these homes,” the resident said.

The residents said they were not opposed to lawful resolution of the land dispute but wanted authorities to provide clarity on the basis of the directive, the proposed demolition and any arrangements for people who may be displaced.