Allies of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and a coalition of retired military officers have taken sharply opposing positions following calls for disciplinary action against a naval officer who confronted the minister during a visit to a disputed plot of land in Abuja. The confrontation, which occurred Tuesday, has triggered widespread debate over military involvement in civil disputes, ministerial authority and the growing tension surrounding land administration in the nation’s capital.
The incident centers on Lt. Ahmed Yerima, who was filmed clashing with Wike at a site allegedly being developed by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd). Wike accused Gambo of undertaking an illegal construction on the property without valid documents from the Federal Capital Development Authority. The minister further alleged that FCDA officials who attempted to halt the construction were assaulted by Yerima, prompting his direct intervention.
In the viral video shared widely on social media, Wike questioned the presence of naval personnel on the land and demanded to know under whose authority they were operating. The minister insisted that government records indicated that the former naval chief had no approval, title or supporting documentation for the land. The confrontation quickly intensified, with both sides exchanging heated remarks before the minister ordered the site sealed.
Following the incident, groups aligned with Wike argued that Yerima’s conduct amounted to insubordination and interference in civil matters, insisting that the military must sanction the officer to maintain discipline. They maintained that no uniformed personnel had the right to challenge a sitting minister carrying out an official enforcement operation. According to Wike’s allies, the confrontation represented a worrying trend where security operatives attempt to intimidate government officials enforcing regulations.
However, the coalition of retired military officers sharply disagreed, warning against what they described as “the political harassment of serving officers.” They argued that Yerima’s presence at the site was within the mandate of protecting property linked to the Nigerian Navy and that the minister had no justification to publicly reprimand a uniformed officer. The veterans maintained that security operatives should not be subjected to open humiliation, particularly while carrying out directives given by their superiors.
The group further accused Wike of escalating a matter that should have been handled through administrative or legal channels, noting that property disputes involving former military chiefs are not uncommon. They called for an independent investigation into the events leading up to the confrontation, alleging that the minister’s approach may have contributed to the tension. Some members also questioned the FCDA’s claim that the land was illegally occupied, arguing that property allocation records in Abuja are often prone to inconsistencies.
Supporters of the minister countered this claim, stating that Wike’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal structures has been consistent since he assumed office. They said the minister’s efforts to reclaim encroached public land have faced resistance from powerful individuals who believe they are above the law. According to them, the involvement of a retired service chief makes the matter even more sensitive and underscores the need for transparency in Abuja’s land administration.
The dispute has also sparked broader conversations about the role of the military in civilian affairs. Analysts say the confrontation reflects the blurred lines between military privilege and civilian authority, especially in cases involving high-ranking retired officers. Some experts warned that the military’s perceived involvement in private property matters could undermine public confidence and fuel concerns about undue influence.
While both camps remain firm in their positions, the Nigerian Navy has yet to issue an official statement addressing the incident. Calls for disciplinary action, internal review or mediation continue to mount as the video circulates widely online. Efforts to reach the former naval chief for comment have been unsuccessful, further intensifying public speculation.
As Abuja residents await clarity, the incident has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over land ownership, civil authority and the limits of military involvement. Whether the matter will lead to sanctions, formal investigations or political fallout remains uncertain, but the confrontation has already exposed deep divisions between civilian authorities and military stakeholders in the capital.
