By Our Correspondent
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revoked about 30 hectares of land in the Gaduwa–Gudu area of Abuja, sparking a dispute between the FCT Administration and some senior military officers who claim ownership of the affected plots.
Reports indicate that the land was previously allocated to serving and retired military personnel by a former FCT administration. It was, however, recently reallocated to new beneficiaries after the minister ordered a review of land titles and development activities in the area.
Officials from the FCT Department of Development Control and the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council reportedly visited the site alongside the minister to assess ongoing developments. Their visit led to a confrontation with some military personnel who said they were protecting property belonging to the Defence Headquarters.
Wike later told reporters that the land was being used without proper authorisation and that the FCT Administration was committed to enforcing planning regulations across the capital city. He stated that no individual or institution is above the law and that all landholders must provide valid documentation before carrying out any development.
Sources within the FCT Administration said the revocation was part of a wider effort to recover lands that had been illegally occupied or developed without approval. They also explained that the government intends to ensure that all land allocations comply with the Abuja Master Plan.
Some reports have suggested that a few of the newly reallocated plots may have gone to prominent individuals, though official records confirming the identities of the new beneficiaries have not yet been made public.
Military sources have, however, expressed concern over the decision, insisting that the affected officers had valid allocations and were not given adequate notice before the revocation. They called for dialogue between the FCT Administration and the Defence Headquarters to resolve the issue amicably.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Defence Headquarters nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had issued detailed statements on the matter. The situation remains under review, and further clarification is expected from both sides in the coming days.
