A dramatic confrontation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and a military officer has captured national attention after a video of the incident went viral on November 11, 2025.
What Triggered the Abuja Faceoff
The heated exchange occurred during Minister Wike's inspection of a disputed construction site in Abuja. According to official statements from the minister's office, the clash stemmed from an unauthorized building project allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.
Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant to Minister Wike, revealed that the former naval chief had repeatedly ignored warnings to halt construction on the property. The site reportedly lacked both proper title documents and official building approval from the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Military Involvement Escalates Tension
The situation intensified when armed military security details were deployed to protect the unauthorized construction. Olayinka alleged that these personnel had threatened to shoot anyone attempting to stop the building activities, including officials from the FCTA Department of Development Control.
"Because he was told to stop building on a land he has no title document and building approval, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, sent his armed military security details to attack men of the FCTA Department of Development Control," Olayinka stated emphatically.
Wike's Personal Intervention
Minister Wike decided to personally visit the contentious site after holding a telephone conversation with the Chief of Defence Staff. This direct intervention demonstrates the seriousness with which the FCT administration is treating the matter.
The viral video shows the moment Wike confronted a soldier believed to be part of the security detail guarding the disputed property. The tense exchange has raised important questions about the appropriate use of military personnel in civil land disputes and the enforcement of urban development regulations in Nigeria's capital city.
As public reactions continue to pour in across social media platforms, the FCT administration has yet to issue an official statement regarding next steps for the disputed property. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining regulatory compliance in Abuja's rapidly developing urban landscape.
