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Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has publicly addressed the recent confrontation involving a Nigerian Navy officer concerning the ownership of a parcel of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa district. The incident, which sparked widespread attention, was captured on video and circulated by Arise News.
Standing Firm Against Military Intimidation
In his remarks at the scene, Wike emphasized his commitment to upholding the rule of law and performing his duties without fear or favor. He expressed bewilderment at the use of military influence to intimidate government officials tasked with regulating land use within the FCT.
“It baffles me that someone in such a position would choose intimidation over dialogue,” Wike stated. “If there were concerns about the land, the proper channel would have been to approach my office directly rather than leveraging military status to pressure others.”
Reaffirming the Importance of Due Process
The minister underscored that no individual, regardless of rank or background, is exempt from compliance with land acquisition laws. He pointed out that the naval officer in question lacks the necessary documentation to substantiate ownership claims.
“We have asked repeatedly for the relevant documents-ownership papers, building permits-but none have been produced,” Wike explained. “This disregard for legal procedures cannot be tolerated, especially when it involves government land.”
Addressing Broader Concerns About Law Enforcement
Wike also highlighted the broader implications of allowing such acts of intimidation to go unchecked, questioning the fairness toward citizens without military protection. “What message does it send to ordinary Nigerians who do not have security forces backing them?” he asked.
He further condemned the deployment of security personnel to obstruct officials from executing their responsibilities, declaring, “Government agents must be free to enforce regulations without fear of coercion.”
Engagement with Military Leadership to Resolve the Issue
To ensure a peaceful resolution, Wike revealed that he has communicated with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom have pledged to address the matter promptly. “Our goal is not confrontation but adherence to the law,” he affirmed.
“No one, whether a former Chief of Naval Staff or any other individual, will be permitted to carry out unauthorized developments on government property,” Wike concluded firmly.
Wike Denounces Military Encroachment on Abuja Land, Orders Immediate Cessation of Illegal Construction, Identifies Former Naval Chief as Responsible, Pledges Resistance to Intimidation
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has condemned the alleged illegal takeover of a… pic.twitter.com/HAmEOsr413
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) November 11, 2025
Contextualizing the Incident Within Abuja’s Land Management Challenges
This episode highlights ongoing challenges in Abuja’s land administration, where unauthorized land grabs and illegal constructions have been persistent issues. According to recent data from the FCT Development Control Department, over 15% of land disputes in the territory involve claims by military personnel or former officials, complicating enforcement efforts.
Wike’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the government’s resolve to curb such practices and promote transparency and fairness in land governance, aligning with broader national efforts to strengthen institutional accountability.
