The (FHA) has announced the acquisition of an advanced MAX 350 surveillance drone as part of a broader strategy to combat land encroachment and reclaim illegally occupied properties across its estates nationwide.
The development follows public controversy surrounding the demolition of a structure at Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja, which FHA says has been widely misrepresented. According to the Authority, the property in question was not lawfully owned by the claimant, identified as Hajiya Sadiya, but was instead the result of illegal expansion into FHA-owned land.
In a statement issued by FHA’s Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Chigelu, the Authority alleged that the disputed land, located along 5th Avenue, 52 Road, Gwarimpa, was unlawfully extended by approximately 6,000 square meters beyond its original allocation.
FHA explained that the parcel of land was initially allocated to Savannah Suites Ltd, covering 16,000 square meters, and was later transferred to Tulwu Integrated Properties Ltd. However, FHA maintains that the claimant attempted to assert ownership over a total landmass of 22,000 square meters, a claim the Authority says was contradicted by aerial drone surveillance data.
Efforts by FHA to resolve the matter through dialogue reportedly failed. The original allottee, Savannah Suites Ltd, was said to have reaffirmed that the transferred land size remained 16,000 square meters, not the expanded figure being claimed.
The Authority further disclosed that an ex parte court order was obtained on July 1, 2025, temporarily restricting FHA’s access to the site. That order was later overturned on November 5, 2025, clearing the way for enforcement actions. Despite this, FHA said compliance was resisted.
On December 12, 2025, FHA officials from its Development Control Department reportedly visited the location to enforce compliance but were allegedly confronted and assaulted, alongside police officers accompanying them.
FHA’s management stated that the acquisition of the surveillance drone marks a decisive shift in enforcement, declaring zero tolerance for land grabbing, illegal annexation, or manipulation of land records. According to the Authority, the drone technology will be deployed to monitor estates, verify boundaries, and ensure that all encroached FHA lands are identified and recovered.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to protecting public assets and ensuring that federal housing estates are managed strictly in line with the law.