Zagazola Raises Concern Over Illicit Activities at Durumi IDP Camp despite demolition
By: Zagazola Makama
Security expert and counter-insurgency analyst, Zagazola Makama, has raised concerns over alleged illicit activities within the Durumi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Abuja, following the recent recovery of a suspected stolen vehicle by the police.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command had earlier confirmed the recovery of a Toyota Corolla with registration number AAA 364 GL, which was abandoned for over 14 days at the camp by unknown persons. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the vehicle are ongoing.
However, Makama, who specializes in security analysis in the Lake Chad region, alleged that the Durumi camp, which primarily houses displaced persons from Gwoza as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency has become a hub for illicit drug trade and criminal activities.
“Despite destruction of the camp by FCTA, they have erected new shelters some distance away from the camp and continued their illicit activities unabated. They usually assembled in the evening within the location before being dispatched to various locations. While some of them have their customers coming to buy drugs within the camp.
The area allegedly harbors a bunker where cocaine and other hard drugs are sold, with a suspected drug kingpin identified as Hamman said to be controlling operations.
“Beyond housing displaced persons, the Durumi IDP camp has become a center for criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking and the operation of ‘One Chance’ syndicates that terrorize Abuja residents,” Makama said.
He further alleged that some young men within the camp were being recruited to engage in ‘One Chance’ robberies criminal schemes where unsuspecting victims are lured into vehicles and dispossessed of their belongings.
Makama called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and crack down on criminal elements within the camp to prevent further exploitation of displaced persons and ensure public safety.
