A dramatic confrontation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and military officers over a disputed land in Abuja has sparked nationwide reactions, with the involved officer now speaking out about the incident.
The Tense Abuja Standoff
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, viral videos captured a heated argument between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and armed military personnel at a construction site in Nigeria's capital city. The clash occurred when Minister Wike, accompanied by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) officials including Director of Development Control Town Planner Mukhtar Galadima, attempted to access Plot 1946 - a property allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
During the intense exchange, Wike challenged the military officer, Lieutenant AM Yerima, who was reportedly acting on behalf of the retired naval chief. "If you want to kill everybody, kill everybody. You would have killed everybody here," the minister dared the armed officers.
In a calm but firm response, Lieutenant Yerima declared: "No, we won't kill anybody here, we are acting on orders." This exchange highlighted the tension between civilian authority and military presence in the dispute.
Military Officer Breaks Silence
Following the viral incident, Lieutenant Yerima has publicly addressed the confrontation, emphasizing that he would not be provoked into ordering lethal force against public officials. The military officer stated clearly that he had no intention to harm Minister Wike or any FCTA officials during the enforcement exercise.
The officer's statement comes amid growing public concern about the appropriate use of military personnel in civilian land disputes. Lieutenant Yerima maintained that he and his colleagues were simply following legitimate orders while ensuring they did not cross the line into using deadly force.
Wike's Response and Broader Implications
Immediately after the tense standoff, Minister Wike addressed journalists, condemning what he described as acts of lawlessness by military personnel. The former Rivers State governor questioned why armed soldiers were being used to protect what he characterized as illegal development and land grabbing.
Wike confirmed that he had engaged both the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him they would intervene to resolve the matter. The minister, known for his combative approach to governance, has repeatedly vowed to restore order in Abuja's urban planning and protect government lands from what he calls "powerful interests and lawless developers."
The incident has reignited debates about land allocation practices in Abuja, with Wike facing previous criticism over allegations of allotting premium lands to close associates and family members - claims he has consistently denied.
Meanwhile, political groups like the Atiku Movement (TAM) have condemned Wike's statements, while the Defence Headquarters posted a cryptic message following the clash: "Unshaken, unbent, unbroken." The situation continues to develop as both civilian and military authorities work to resolve the underlying land dispute that sparked the confrontation.
