Defence Ministry Investigates Abuja Land Dispute Between Wike and Naval Officer
Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has officially responded to the highly publicized confrontation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and naval officer A. M. Yerima over a disputed land in Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, has sparked widespread discussion across the country, drawing reactions from prominent figures including former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai.
Official Statement from Defence Headquarters
While speaking at a press conference organized for the commencement of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, November 12, Minister Badaru confirmed that his ministry is thoroughly investigating the matter.
The Defence Minister emphasized that the Armed Forces would not abandon any officer carrying out lawful duties, stating: "Well, at the ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty."
He further explained that defence authorities are carefully examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and assured that full protection is guaranteed for any military personnel performing their legitimate responsibilities.
Details of the Abuja Land Confrontation
The tense encounter unfolded when Minister Wike, accompanied by his team including the director of Development Control, Town Planner Mukhtar Galadima, visited a construction site at Plot 1946 in Abuja.
According to eyewitness accounts and viral videos that surfaced online, Wike questioned the legality of the development being undertaken by former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.
The FCT Minister insisted that the retired naval officer lacked proper approval or valid documentation from the Federal Capital Territory Administration for the construction project.
During the heated exchange, Wike reportedly challenged Lieutenant Yerima, who was present at the site representing Vice Admiral Gambo's interests, daring him to shoot. The confrontation highlighted growing tensions between civilian authorities and military personnel over land matters in the capital city.
Reactions and Security Implications
Former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai has expressed serious concerns about Minister Wike's conduct toward the uniformed military officer, describing the minister's outburst as disrespectful to military authority.
Buratai emphasized that the incident cannot be dismissed as mere political theater and outlined potential security implications, calling for appropriate remedies to address the situation.
Meanwhile, Minister Badaru has assured that the naval officer will be protected as long as he acted within his lawful duties. The Defence Minister's statement represents the first official response from the Tinubu administration regarding the controversial incident that has captured national attention.
The investigation by defence authorities continues as both civilian and military stakeholders await further developments in this high-profile land dispute that tests the boundaries between political authority and military protocol in Nigeria's capital.
