A tense confrontation erupted on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and an unidentified military officer over an alleged land-grabbing incident in Abuja’s Gaduwa District

A video obtained by our correspondent captured the heated exchange, with Wike accusing the officer of unlawfully claiming a parcel of land.

The minister challenged the officer, questioning why the military would assert ownership simply because the property was once linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike demanded.

The officer, dressed in military camouflage, interrupted, insisting that the acquisition was legitimate and carried out with integrity. “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he said.

Wike, visibly angered, told the officer to remain silent. “I will not shut up,” the officer replied, prompting Wike to fire back sharply: “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”

The officer maintained that he was on site following official orders, but Wike escalated the confrontation, stating: “You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see.”

At the time of reporting, neither the military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had issued an official statement on the incident.

Land disputes and illegal allocations remain a persistent challenge in Abuja. Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has intensified efforts to curb unauthorised land acquisition and illegal property development, ordering multiple demolitions to enforce the Abuja Master Plan and protect government-designated areas.

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