FCT Minister Nyesom Wike clashed with soldiers in Abuja over an alleged land-grabbing dispute involving a parcel of land reportedly linked to retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo. The confrontation escalated when soldiers blocked Wike and Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) officials from accessing the site, leading to a heated exchange caught on video circulating widely on social media.
Wike accused the soldiers of illegal occupation and defended his administration’s efforts to enforce development laws and prevent unauthorized land use. He insisted the developers lacked valid ownership documents or building approvals and vowed that no one, regardless of rank or influence, would be allowed to flout Abuja’s land regulations.
The incident sparked mixed public reactions. While some applauded Wike’s firm stance against illegal development, others criticized his tone as disrespectful toward military personnel. Nigerian military veterans condemned the minister’s outburst, calling for an apology to the armed forces to maintain institutional dignity.
Civil society groups decried the deployment of soldiers to guard disputed land parcels amid Nigeria’s broader security challenges, labeling it unconstitutional and a sign of systemic failure where the military is increasingly engaged in civilian matters. They warned such actions could undermine the rule of law and citizens’ rights.
