The Chief of Army Staff, General Waidi Shaibu, has issued a cryptic response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the confrontation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer over a disputed land in Abuja.
Army Chief's Morale-Boosting Message to Troops
In a viral video that emerged on Wednesday, November 13, 2025, the COAS was seen performing push-ups alongside soldiers while delivering an inspiring message. General Shaibu emphasized the nobility of the military profession and urged his officers to take pride in their work despite external challenges.
The army chief assured the troops that he had held discussions with relevant authorities and that the government would address all their legitimate requests. He specifically stated: 'Soldiering is a noble profession, take pride in what you are doing. Believe in yourselves as soldiers.'
The Abuja Land Confrontation Details
The COAS's comments came amid escalating tensions from Tuesday's incident where Minister Wike engaged in a heated argument with a senior naval officer over Plot 1946 in Abuja. The property in question is reportedly owned by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.
During the confrontation, the naval officer, identified as Lieutenant Yerima, claimed to be acting on orders from the retired naval chief. The officer prevented Wike and officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration, including Director of Development Control Town Planner Mukhtar Galadima, from accessing the property.
Wike challenged the legality of the development, insisting that Vice Admiral Gambo had neither proper approval nor valid documentation from the FCTA. In a dramatic moment captured on video, the minister dared Lieutenant Yerima to shoot him during the standoff.
Aftermath and Reactions
Following the tense encounter, Minister Wike addressed journalists, condemning what he described as acts of lawlessness by military personnel. He questioned the use of armed forces to protect what he characterized as illegal development and land grabbing, vowing to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The incident has drawn reactions from various quarters, including former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai, who expressed concerns about Wike's treatment of a military officer in uniform. Buratai described the minister's outburst as disrespectful to military authority and highlighted potential security implications.
As the situation develops, the COAS's morale-boosting visit to troops is being interpreted by many observers as a subtle response to the ongoing controversy between political authorities and military personnel.
