There was a heated confrontation on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and an unidentified military officer over an alleged case of land grabbing in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.
According to video footage obtained by journalists, Wike confronted the officer at a disputed property, accusing him of taking over the land illegally because it was linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff. The visibly angry minister questioned the legality of the acquisition, saying, “Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?”
The officer, dressed in military camouflage, interrupted Wike, insisting that his claim to the land was legitimate. “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he said. Wike, angered by the interruption, ordered him to keep quiet, but the officer refused, responding, “I will not shut up.”
The exchange quickly escalated as Wike fired back, calling the officer “a very big fool” and adding, “As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.” The officer, however, maintained that he was deployed to the site on official assignment and was acting on orders. Wike then warned him, saying, “You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see.”
The altercation reportedly occurred when Wike and senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) arrived at Plot 1946, Buffer Transit, Southern Parkway, Gaduwa, to stop what they described as an illegal development. According to the FCTA, military personnel had earlier prevented enforcement officers from accessing the site by parking a military truck to block entry.
Speaking after the confrontation, Wike told journalists that neither the military officers nor the developers could produce valid documents proving ownership or authorization for construction. “You cannot even prove the documents. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail?” he asked. He further questioned what would happen to ordinary citizens if such actions were tolerated simply because the individuals involved were in the military.
The minister disclosed that he had contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the issue would be resolved amicably. However, he maintained that his administration would not allow any illegal occupation or development, regardless of the persons involved.
Land disputes and illegal allocations have remained persistent issues in Abuja. Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has intensified efforts to enforce the city’s Master Plan, ordering the demolition of unauthorized structures and warning against illegal land acquisition and encroachment.
