Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has disclosed that Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, prevented what could have escalated into a mass killing during a heated confrontation between the minister and military personnel in Abuja.
Tense Standoff at Gaduwa District
The dramatic incident occurred on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, when Minister Wike stormed Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja, following reports that soldiers had taken over a disputed parcel of land. The land is allegedly linked to a former chief of naval staff, though the official was not named during the confrontation.
Things quickly escalated when soldiers stationed at the location stopped the former Rivers state governor and his entourage from accessing the property. A viral video captured by Channels Television showed Wike angrily questioning why the military officer was restricting access to the contested land.
Heated Exchange Between Wike and Military Officer
During the intense faceoff, Wike challenged the officer's authority, demanding to know "Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?"
The uniformed military officer defended his position, maintaining that he had acted with integrity and that the land was legitimately acquired. He firmly stated: "I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally."
CDS Intervention Prevents Bloodshed
As tensions threatened to boil over, Wike revealed that timely intervention by General Olufemi Oluyede, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2025, averted potential tragedy. The FCT minister declared: "If not for the CDS who spoke to me now, you would have to kill everybody here. I'm not one of those that you can intimidate."
President Tinubu's appointment of General Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff replaced General Christopher Musa and was part of a major reshuffle of Nigeria's military leadership that included other new service chiefs.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions over land disputes in the Federal Capital Territory and the complex relationship between political authorities and military personnel in Nigeria. Wike's strong reaction underscores his reputation for confronting perceived intimidation tactics head-on, while the military officer's defense emphasizes institutional protocols regarding land acquisition.
