ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar said Wednesday it is investigating a confrontation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer over access to a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.
The incident occurred Tuesday when Wike visited the site and was reportedly blocked by armed personnel. A video circulating online shows the minister visibly angry, questioning the presence of military guards on land allegedly linked to retired Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, a former Chief of Naval Staff.
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru addressed the matter during a press briefing at the National Defence College, where he launched activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. He said the ministry would protect any officer performing lawful duties but confirmed that the situation was under review.
“We are looking into this issue,” Badaru said. “Any officer on lawful duty will be highly protected. We will not allow anything to happen to him so long as he is doing his job, and he is doing it well.”
Legal experts have cited Supreme Court rulings that limit obedience to superior orders when such directives are unlawful. Cases such as Onunze v. State (2023) and Nigeria Air Force v. James (2002) affirm that military personnel are not obligated to carry out manifestly illegal commands.
Critics argue that deploying active-duty officers to guard private property constitutes an abuse of military authority. They say the incident reflects a broader concern about the military’s involvement in civilian affairs, particularly when linked to former officials.
Wike, as FCT Minister, holds presidential authority over land administration in Abuja under Sections 297(2) and 302 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Observers say obstructing him in that role amounts to defying the civil authority of the President.
Beyond the controversy, Badaru unveiled new initiatives aimed at bolstering national security and veteran welfare. These include the “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme,” which will deploy retired military personnel to stabilize areas previously occupied by insurgents.
The minister also introduced a “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, allowing Nigerians to send personalized appreciation messages to troops. He said recent operations had led to the neutralization of more than 13,000 militants, the arrest of 17,000 suspects, and the rescue of nearly 10,000 hostages.
Badaru added that over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their families had surrendered. He announced plans to amend the Nigerian Legion Act and establish a Veterans Federation of Nigeria, alongside a new databank and call center for retired service members.
