Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike was involved in a dramatic confrontation with military personnel on Monday, November 11, 2025, when soldiers prevented him from accessing a parcel of land in Abuja's Gaduwa District.
Heated Exchange Between Minister and Military Officer
The incident, captured in videos that have gone viral on social media, shows the moment Wike and his entourage were blocked from entering the contested property by uniformed soldiers. According to eyewitness accounts, the minister accused the military of engaging in land-grabbing activities in the area.
Wike expressed visible anger during the encounter, alleging that the military was claiming ownership of the land simply because it was linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff. "Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?" the minister challenged the soldiers present.
Soldier Claims Legal Acquisition
The responding military officer, dressed in camouflage uniform, interrupted the minister's remarks, insisting that the acquisition was lawful and that he had acted with integrity throughout the process. "I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally," the officer firmly stated.
This response further escalated the tension, with Wike ordering the officer to be quiet. The officer defiantly responded, "I will not shut up," leading to an even more heated exchange between the two parties.
Personal Remarks Escalate Tension
The confrontation took a personal turn when Wike retorted, "You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school." Despite the personal remarks, the military officer maintained his position, stating that he was deployed to the site on official orders and was simply carrying out his duties.
Neither the FCT Minister's office nor the Nigerian Military has released an official statement regarding the incident that occurred on November 11, 2025. The videos of the confrontation have been widely shared on social media platforms, including Linda Ikeji's blog, where they have generated significant public discussion about land administration in the Federal Capital Territory.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in land management and allocation in Abuja, particularly concerning properties allegedly linked to former government officials and military personnel. The Gaduwa District, where the confrontation occurred, has been at the center of several land disputes in recent years.
