By Ghazali Ibrahim
A tense confrontation broke out on Tuesday at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and uniformed military personnel over an illegal development claim.
Wike, who had led a delegation from the FCT Administration’s Development Control unit to investigate alleged unauthorised construction, was blocked from entering the site by soldiers. The site, a fenced‑off area, is reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff. Officials from the FCTA say the land lacked formal allocation and building permits.
As Wike’s convoy approached, a group of uniformed officers, led by Lt. A. M. Yarima, prevented bulldozers and FCTA officials from accessing the location.
A heated verbal exchange ensued between the minister and Yarima, captured on video and circulated widely on social media.
“You are aware… that the land departments… have been mandated to monitor illegal developments… When this was brought to my attention, I directed nothing should take place,” Wike told journalists.
“I don’t understand how someone who once held such high office cannot approach my office… but uses soldiers to intimidate Nigerians.”
The naval officer, standing his ground in full camouflage, responded: “Sir, I am a commissioned officer. I’m acting on orders from above.”
The minister replied: “Which order? I will see whether you will not leave here… Go and develop it.”
According to Wike, the plot “had not been allocated by the FCT Administration and lacked proper ownership or building approvals.”
He called the use of military personnel to protect the site “intimidation” and vowed not to tolerate “lawlessness” within the FCT. He also said he had contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him the matter would be resolved.
No official comment has yet been issued by the former naval chief implicated or the armed forces.
Meanwhile, analysts say the incident raises broader questions about civil‑military relations, land governance and enforcement in the capital region.
Wike’s team has pressed on with its demolition agenda in the FCT, but this latest clash signals the potential for an institutional showdown if unchecked.
