ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, clashed with a military officer during a land inspection in Abuja on Monday, escalating tensions over the government’s efforts to reclaim allegedly encroached public land.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress, was inspecting a disputed parcel of land in the Gaduwa district when soldiers blocked his convoy. The land is reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retired Vice Admiral).
The confrontation, captured on video and widely shared on social media, showed Wike ordering the officer to stand down. The officer refused, asserting that he was acting under orders and had a duty to protect the property. “I am not a fool but an officer,” the soldier said, prompting Wike to respond, “You are a fool.”
Wike accused the military of illegally occupying land and using force to intimidate civil authorities. “If you’re a former Chief of Naval Staff and you want land, come to the minister,” he said. “Don’t use soldiers to intimidate people.”
The Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement, but a senior defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the officer was following protocol and protecting what the military considers a legitimate holding. “We respect civil authority, but we also have a duty to safeguard assets under our care,” the official said.
Legal experts and civil society groups have expressed concern over the military’s involvement in land disputes, warning that it undermines civilian governance. “Military presence in civil land matters is a dangerous precedent,” said Chika Okafor, a land rights advocate based in Abuja. “It discourages legal redress and erodes public trust.”
In contrast, many countries maintain strict separation between military and civil land administration. In the United States, military land is managed by the Department of Defense, and any expansion requires congressional approval. In South Africa, land conflicts involving the military are mediated by civilian courts, with no direct military enforcement.
Wike’s broader campaign to enforce land use regulations has included revoking questionable allocations and demolishing unauthorized structures. His administration says the goal is to restore order to Abuja’s urban planning and protect public assets from elite capture.
The Abuja incident has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters praised Wike’s assertiveness and commitment to accountability, while critics questioned the tone of the exchange and the potential for escalating civil-military tensions. “The minister’s approach may be bold, but it must be backed by legal process,” said Aisha Bello, a political analyst.
As the Federal Capital Territory continues to grow, the clash between Wike and the military may serve as a defining moment in Nigeria’s struggle to balance authority, transparency, and the rule of law in urban development.
