The tense confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a military officer during a land enforcement operation in Abuja on Tuesday has stirred widespread reactions across the country.

In a video clip circulating online, Wike was seen in a heated exchange with soldiers guarding a property in the capital city. The altercation reportedly occurred when the minister and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) attempted to access a disputed plot of land said to be linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).

During the exchange, Wike accused the developers of lacking valid ownership documents or building approval. When one of the soldiers challenged his directive, the visibly agitated minister retorted angrily:

“Shut up! Keep quiet! You are a fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school. You send soldiers to intimidate who? We are all from this country. If not for the CDS who just spoke to me now, you would have had to kill everybody here.”

The footage has since sparked a national debate on the conduct of both the Minister and the military officer.

While Wike’s supporters commended his firmness and commitment to enforcing the law, critics described his reaction as excessive and lacking decorum expected of a senior public official.

Wike Defends His Actions

Following the incident, Wike issued a statement condemning what he described as the “illegal occupation” of a disputed Abuja property by soldiers allegedly acting under the orders of a former service chief.

Through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike labelled the soldiers’ actions as “lawless and unacceptable,” stressing that no one, regardless of rank or influence, would be allowed to obstruct the enforcement of FCTA regulations.

“The Land Departments and Development Control have been directed to monitor and prevent illegal development or land grabbing,” he said. “When this matter was reported to me, I ordered that all activities on the site should stop since there were no legal documents or approvals. Unfortunately, soldiers chased our officials away.”

Wike said he personally visited the site after receiving reports that the soldiers had returned to block FCTA officials from carrying out lawful duties.

“I don’t understand how someone who once held such a high position could deploy soldiers instead of coming to discuss the matter officially with the FCT Minister,” he said. “I will not bow to intimidation or blackmail.”

According to him, the developers failed to provide ownership papers or building approval.

“They have no documents, no approval—nothing. We cannot continue to encourage lawlessness. What about ordinary Nigerians who don’t have military backing?”

The minister added that he had contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who promised to handle the situation.

“We’re not out to create chaos, but this will not stand. Nobody, no matter their past office, will be allowed to build illegally on government land,” he declared.

APC Chieftain Backs Wike, Calls for Soldier’s Dismissal

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, condemned the conduct of the soldier who confronted Wike, describing it as “an act of insubordination.”

In a Facebook post, Igbokwe demanded that disciplinary measures be taken, saying, “Who is this man in uniform? Who is beating the drum for him? This is unacceptable. His uniform should be removed.”

Chidoka Faults Wike’s Conduct

Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, criticised Wike’s handling of the situation, saying the minister overstepped his authority.

In a statement titled “Minister Wike: Power, Process, and the Rule of Law,” Chidoka argued that personally confronting security personnel was “a fundamental misstep.”

“Any law enforcement officer, in uniform or plain clothes, represents the sovereignty of the Nigerian state. To abuse such an officer is to undermine the authority of the Republic,” he said.

Chidoka maintained that Wike should have addressed the issue through formal channels, such as the Ministry of Defence, instead of direct confrontation.

“A formal communication to the Minister of Defence would have sufficed. Engaging a uniformed officer in a shouting match erodes discipline and confuses the chain of command,” he added.

He also faulted the actions of Wike’s DSS security aides, saying they should have de-escalated the situation rather than aggravate it.

Shehu Sani Urges Caution

Former Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani, advised Wike to avoid public confrontations with military personnel.

“Wike is doing a great job in Abuja,” Sani said on X (formerly Twitter), “but he should not be encouraged to stage stunts involving soldiers.”

Military Veterans Demand Apology

A coalition of retired Nigerian military officers condemned Wike’s outburst, calling it an insult to the Armed Forces.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the Coalition of Military Veterans described the minister’s comments as “unbecoming of a public official.”

“How can a minister call an officer a fool on camera?” the group asked. “If he were responsible, he would have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately instead of attempting to embarrass a retired senior officer.”

The group warned that any disciplinary action against the soldier could lead to nationwide protests.

“If that officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the FCT Minister’s office and residence,” the statement read.

They also demanded a public apology, stating, “Military officers pledge allegiance to the nation, not to individuals. Wike’s language demeaned his office and must not go unaddressed.”

Civil Group Condemns Use of Soldiers in Land Dispute

The Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) criticised the alleged use of military personnel to guard the disputed land, calling it unconstitutional and a clear abuse of power.

In a statement signed by its president, Olu Omotayo, the group described the development as “a disturbing reflection of institutional decay,” adding that deploying soldiers for personal protection while parts of the country face insecurity “is a tragic misuse of resources.”

Omotayo cited Section 217(2)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and a 2020 Court of Appeal judgment, noting that the Armed Forces can only assist civil authorities when lawfully called upon by the President under specific conditions.

“The Abuja land issue is not an emergency or insurrection requiring military deployment. Such acts undermine democracy and embolden impunity,” the statement said.

He urged the military to focus on combating terrorism and banditry rather than engaging in private land disputes.

Buratai Condemns Wike’s Remarks

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, also criticised Wike’s behaviour, describing it as “a threat to national security.”

In a statement, Buratai said, “Publicly insulting a uniformed officer goes beyond misconduct—it undermines national security and institutional integrity.”

He added that Wike’s remarks “disrespected the chain of command and the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, while damaging morale within the Armed Forces.”

“This action signals a disregard for federal authority,” Buratai said, urging the minister to apologise to President Bola Tinubu and the officer involved.

“Our nation’s security must come first. The integrity of our Armed Forces demands nothing less.”