Police Chief Breaks Silence on Minister-Military Confrontation
Nigeria's Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has finally broken his silence regarding the highly publicized altercation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and officers of the Nigerian Navy. The police boss addressed the matter during a press conference held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, revealing the steps taken by the police force to investigate the incident.
Details of the Tense Land Dispute
The confrontation occurred on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, when Minister Wike was prevented from accessing a piece of land in the nation's capital. The disputed property is reportedly claimed by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo. During the heated exchange, witnesses reported that Wike dared Lieutenant Yerima, described as a loyalist to the retired naval chief, to shoot him.
Following the immediate standoff, Minister Wike addressed journalists, condemning what he characterized as acts of lawlessness by the military. The FCT minister questioned the deployment of military personnel to protect what he labeled as illegal development and land grabbing, vowing that such practices would not continue under his watch.
Police Response and Public Reaction
IGP Egbetokun clarified that he was not physically present during the incident but has taken decisive action by ordering a thorough investigation into the matter. The police chief promised that the findings would be made public once the investigation concludes.
The response has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians across social media platforms and public discourse. Some citizens have expressed skepticism about the need for further investigation, while others have commended the police chief's measured approach.
Eteobong Edem questioned the investigation's necessity, stating: "This is a lame answer. He doesn't need to be at the scene before knowing what to do. Is he going to say he hasn't seen the video that went viral? What exactly are they going to investigate again?"
Conversely, Big Bros supported the IGP's approach: "This is the right approach from the IG. No assumptions, no bias, just a straightforward commitment to investigate and reveal the facts. Security agencies must operate with transparency and professionalism."
The incident has highlighted ongoing tensions between civilian authorities and military personnel regarding land matters in the Federal Capital Territory, raising important questions about jurisdiction and proper protocol in such disputes.
