By Our Correspondent
There was drama in Abuja on Tuesday as soldiers clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration when they attempted to inspect a disputed parcel of land in the Gaduwa District.
The incident occurred at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, where the minister and his team had gone to enforce the FCTA’s ongoing campaign against illegal land acquisition and unapproved developments across the capital city. Upon arrival, Wike’s convoy was stopped by armed soldiers who insisted that they were acting under orders to protect the property.
Eyewitnesses said the soldiers refused to grant the minister and his officials access to the site, leading to a heated confrontation. The minister accused the soldiers of intimidation and misuse of power, warning that no one had the authority to threaten government officials carrying out their lawful duties.
Reports indicate that the disputed land is linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retired). Wike maintained that FCTA records revealed no valid allocation, title documents, or building approvals for the property, describing its occupation as illegal and an act of land grabbing.
The soldiers, however, stood their ground, claiming they were following lawful instructions and were only performing their duty to secure the premises. The confrontation disrupted the minister’s inspection briefly and attracted attention from nearby residents and journalists.
Speaking after the encounter, Wike confirmed that he had reached out to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff for intervention. He stressed that the FCTA would not allow individuals, no matter their position or background, to use military personnel to obstruct government activities or acquire land unlawfully.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Army nor Defence Headquarters had issued an official statement regarding the incident. The FCTA also had not released a formal report on the matter.
The clash has since sparked public debate about the growing involvement of military personnel in civil land disputes and the wider issue of illegal land occupation in Abuja. Analysts note that the confrontation highlights long-standing concerns about the misuse of security forces and the challenges facing land administration in the nation’s capital.
Since assuming office, Minister Wike has led a vigorous campaign to reclaim government lands and demolish unauthorized structures across the FCT. The latest confrontation in Gaduwa underscores the resistance his enforcement efforts continue to face, particularly from individuals with alleged political or military connections.
