FCT Minister confronts military personnel at disputed site in Abuja
A heated exchange erupted on Tuesday between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and unidentified military officers at a disputed land site in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.
Video footage circulating online captured the confrontation, during which Wike accused the military personnel of unlawfully occupying the land on orders linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff—and obstructing his administration’s enforcement of land-use regulations.
Allegation of military takeover of land
The dispute centres on Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, a parcel of land that FCT officials say lacks valid regional approvals and title documentation. Wike visited the site after reports that soldiers had blocked enforcement officers from entering the property.
“You are aware that the land departments … have the mandate to monitor illegal development and land grabbing. When this was brought to my attention I instructed them to ensure that nothing takes place there, as there were no legal documents—no regional approval, no valid acquisition,” Wike told journalists.
Witnesses say that armed soldiers blocked the access road with a military truck and prevented FCT development control officers from carrying out their work. Wike regarded the action as a form of intimidation and misuse of military power.
Verbal sparring amid the dispute
During the encounter, the verbal sparring became intense and personal. Wike is reported to have said to one of the soldiers:
“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?”
When the soldier refused to stop speaking, Wike reportedly retorted:
“You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”
The soldier, in turn, maintained he was acting under orders and claimed his acquisition was legitimate:
“I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally.”
Wike vows to uphold rule of law
Wike, visibly angry, insisted that no one—regardless of military or former service rank—would be allowed to obstruct lawful regulation of land development in the FCT. He said his office had engaged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff to intervene and resolve the matter.
“I don’t understand how someone who attained that position cannot approach my office … But simply because he’s a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” Wike declared.
He stressed that enforcement of land-use regulations must apply equally to all, and the situation on the ground underscores the challenges his administration faces in reclaiming encroached or illegally-allocated land within the capital territory.
Legal and governance implications
Analysts note that the incident signals both the complexity of land allocation issues in Abuja and the potential friction between civil authorities and military or ex-military interests. Land-use enforcement in the FCT has been on the frontline of Wike’s agenda since he assumed office, with demolitions and revocations of titles being part of his enforcement campaign.
Observers say that how the matter is resolved will be a test of the FCT Administration’s ability to enforce urban planning rules without escalation and while maintaining institutional respect for the military.
What happens next
The FCT Minister has ordered a halt to any further development on the disputed land until full verification of documentation and approval is completed. He also indicated that the military chain of command has been engaged and that the matter will be resolved in line with legal and regulatory protocols.
As the dispute unfolds, the public will be watching closely to see whether this confrontation will lead to formal investigations, revocation of titles, or disciplinary steps against those who may have breached regulations.
