A heated confrontation broke out on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a military officer over an alleged land-grabbing incident at Gaduwa District in Abuja.
The altercation, captured in a video circulating online, showed Wike confronting the officer over claims that a piece of land had been illegally acquired. The minister accused the officer of encroaching on the property under the pretext that it was linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The disagreement quickly turned tense as both men exchanged harsh words. Wike questioned the legality of the military’s claim to the land, while the officer defended his actions, insisting that the acquisition was lawful and done with integrity. The exchange intensified when Wike ordered the officer to remain silent, but the officer refused, maintaining his stance.
The confrontation drew attention from onlookers at the site, as Wike warned the officer against developing the disputed land. The officer, however, insisted he was acting under official instructions.
As of the time of this report, neither the military authorities nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had released an official statement addressing the incident.
Land disputes and unauthorized property developments have remained a recurring challenge in the FCT. Since taking office in August 2023, Wike has launched several operations targeting illegal structures and encroachments, pledging to restore the Abuja Master Plan and enforce proper land use regulations.
The latest confrontation adds to the growing tension surrounding land ownership and development control in the nation’s capital, where government efforts to reclaim illegally occupied lands continue to meet resistance.