Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike faces strong condemnation from Nigerian military veterans following a heated confrontation with a naval officer during an enforcement operation in Abuja.
Video Evidence Captures Tense Exchange
The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, when Wike visited the Gaduwa area of Abuja as part of an enforcement operation targeting disputed land. A viral video obtained by journalists shows the minister engaged in a tense exchange with naval personnel stationed at the location.
During the confrontation, Wike questioned the presence of military personnel allegedly guarding the property and accused them of supporting illegal development. The naval officer involved in the exchange insisted that his unit was acting on official orders and that the land belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The situation escalated when Minister Wike reportedly used harsh language against the officer, including calling him "a fool" while the exchange was being recorded.
Military Veterans Break Their Silence
The Coalition of Military Veterans has strongly condemned the minister's conduct during the encounter. In an official statement, the group's spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, expressed outrage at Wike's behavior toward the uniformed officer.
"How can a public office holder call an officer 'a fool' on camera?" Durowaiye-Herberts questioned. "If he was responsible, he should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a retired senior officer."
The veterans emphasized that uniformed officers represent the authority of the Nigerian state and that disrespecting them undermines public institutions.
Veterans Issue Strong Warning
The military veterans have rejected any potential disciplinary action against the naval officer involved in the confrontation. They issued a stern warning that any such move would be met with strong resistance.
"If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister," Durowaiye-Herberts declared.
The coalition has demanded a public apology from Minister Wike, stating that his actions demeaned the dignity of his ministerial office. "He should apologize for using abusive language. It is not acceptable behavior," the spokesperson insisted.
Mixed Reactions and Political Fallout
The incident has sparked diverse reactions across social media platforms and political circles. While some commentators criticized the naval officer for challenging a serving cabinet minister, others defended his conduct as simply executing official orders.
Adding to the controversy, All Progressives Congress chieftain Joe Igbokwe has called for the immediate dismissal of the naval officer, identified as Lieutenant Yarima. Igbokwe described the officer's actions as "disrespectful" to constituted authority.
Former Army Chief Buratai also weighed in on the matter, describing Wike's public disparagement of a uniformed officer as potentially threatening to the integrity of military institutions and national security. Buratai characterized the minister's verbal assault as "profound indiscipline" that violated Nigeria's command and control structure.
The confrontation highlights ongoing tensions between political authorities and military personnel in Nigeria, raising questions about protocol and respect for chain of command in such situations.
