A heated confrontation erupted in Abuja on Tuesday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, clashed with a group of military officers over allegations of illegal land occupation at the Gaduwa District. The dramatic encounter, captured on video and circulated widely online, showed Wike exchanging harsh words with an officer over a disputed property located at Plot 1946, Buffer Transit, Southern Parkway, which the FCT Administration claims belongs to retired Vice Admiral Gambo, a former Chief of Naval Staff.
In the footage, Wike, visibly infuriated, accused the military personnel of unlawfully seizing the land under the pretext of official authorization. He questioned the legitimacy of the military’s involvement, insisting that no individual, regardless of status, had the right to appropriate government land. “Because you are an officer? Nobody does that! The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” the minister thundered.
The situation escalated when one of the uniformed officers interrupted Wike, insisting that the property acquisition was legitimate. “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he said, refusing to back down even after Wike ordered him to remain silent. The officer responded defiantly, “I will not shut up,” prompting Wike to retort angrily, “You are a very big fool. As of the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”
Tensions heightened as armed soldiers blocked access to the disputed site with a military truck, preventing bulldozers from the Department of Development Control from carrying out a planned demolition of what the FCT authorities deemed an illegal structure. Eyewitnesses reported that the soldiers even shoved the minister aside, claiming to be acting on “superior orders.”
Following a series of tense phone calls, Wike eventually withdrew from the site but vowed that the unauthorized development would not stand. Speaking to reporters afterward, he accused the retired naval officer of exploiting his military background to intimidate government officials. “Simply because he’s a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I will not succumb to such blackmail or intimidation,” Wike declared.
The minister further alleged that those at the site failed to provide any valid documents or building approvals for the construction, condemning the situation as a gross act of lawlessness. “When asked to produce the documents and approvals, they had none. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail?” he asked.
Wike also raised concerns about what ordinary Nigerians face when powerful individuals use security forces to obstruct legitimate government work. “What about those who don’t have military backing or security protection?” he asked. “It’s unacceptable for officials performing their duties to be harassed or intimidated by armed personnel.”
According to the minister, he had already contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom assured him that the matter would be investigated and resolved. “We’re not here for confrontation or chaos,” Wike clarified. “But no one will be allowed to carry out illegal development simply because of their past position. That won’t happen under my watch.”
Land disputes have remained a persistent challenge in the Federal Capital Territory, with recurring cases of illegal occupation and unauthorized construction. Since assuming office, Wike has intensified efforts to restore the Abuja Master Plan through strict enforcement actions, demolitions, and clampdowns on land racketeering. His latest confrontation underscores the growing tension between the FCT Administration and individuals accused of exploiting influence or connections to flout urban development laws.