A dramatic confrontation unfolded in Abuja's Gaduwa District on November 11, 2025, when Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike engaged in a heated clash with military personnel over a disputed property allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.
The Tense Standoff in Gaduwa District
The incident occurred when Minister Wike visited Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District following reports that soldiers had taken control of the contested land. According to sources, the minister directly confronted the military personnel on site, leading to a tense exchange that has since captured national attention.
Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant to Minister Wike, confirmed that the clash stemmed from an ongoing land dispute in the federal capital territory. The property in question is reportedly connected to Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Nigeria's 21st Chief of Naval Staff who served from January 2021 until his retirement.
Who is Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo?
The recent incident has brought renewed public scrutiny to the distinguished military career of Vice Admiral Gambo. Born on April 22, 1966 in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Gambo began his education at Gwagwarwa Special Primary School in Kano before attending Rumfa College, where he earned his West African School Certificate in 1984.
His naval career commenced when he enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy on September 24, 1984 as part of the 36 Regular Course. He was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant on October 24, 1989, marking the beginning of a remarkable military journey.
Distinguished Naval Career and Leadership Roles
Vice Admiral Gambo's service record includes several high-profile appointments that demonstrate his expertise in military operations and defense strategy:
- Director of Procurement at the Defence Space Administration (2018 to January 2021)
- Chief Staff Officer at the Headquarters Naval Training Command in Lagos (2017-2018)
- Security Coordinator for the Presidential Relief Committee on North Eastern Nigeria (2017)
- Director of Research and Rescue at Defence Headquarters, Abuja (2017)
- Director of Simulation at the Naval Doctrine and Assessment Centre in Bonny Camp, Lagos (2015-2017)
Academic Credentials and Professional Recognition
Beyond his military accomplishments, Gambo has built an impressive academic portfolio. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (2009) and a Post Graduate Diploma in the same field (2008).
His military education includes completing the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2003/2004), Officer Long Course in Under Water Warfare at NNS QUORRA (2000), and Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1999).
Gambo's professional recognition includes being a Fellow of the National Defence College in South Africa and the Nigerian Institute of Management. In 2021, he received an Honorary Doctor of Science award from IRSBACCOM.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Reaction
While details surrounding the land dispute remain under investigation, the incident has sparked widespread discussion about property rights and military involvement in civil matters. The confrontation between one of Nigeria's most prominent political figures and military personnel has raised questions about the boundaries between civil authority and military operations.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the November 11 incident, Vice Admiral Gambo's extensive service record and contributions to Nigeria's naval operations remain a significant part of his legacy, even as this recent controversy brings his name back into public discourse.
