The tense confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a military officer during an enforcement operation in Abuja on Tuesday has stirred widespread reactions across Nigeria.
A viral video circulating online showed the Minister in a heated exchange with soldiers over access to a disputed property in the FCT.
The incident occurred when Wike and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) attempted to enter a plot of land reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
In the footage, Wike is seen confronting uniformed soldiers guarding the site, accusing the developers of lacking valid ownership documents and building approval. When one soldier resisted his directive, the Minister, visibly enraged, shouted:
“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 spoke to me now, you would have to kill everybody here.”
The video has since divided public opinion, with supporters praising Wike’s firmness against illegality, while critics say his conduct showed disrespect for the military and institutional order.
Wike Reacts
Following the confrontation, Wike condemned what he described as an “illegal occupation” of a disputed land by soldiers allegedly acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff.
In a statement shared by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike described the act as “lawless and unacceptable,” insisting that no one, no matter how influential, would be allowed to obstruct Abuja’s urban enforcement laws.
“The Land Departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal development and land grabbing,” he stated. “When this issue was reported, I ordered that nothing should happen there because there were no legal documents or approvals. Unfortunately, soldiers chased our officials away.”
Wike said he later visited the site himself after learning that soldiers had returned to prevent FCTA officials from enforcing the order.
“I don’t understand how someone who once occupied such a high office cannot approach the FCT Minister to explain his situation but instead uses soldiers to intimidate people,” he said.
He maintained that the developers had no ownership papers or building permits.
“They have no approvals, no papers — nothing. How can we allow such lawlessness to thrive? What about ordinary Nigerians who don’t have the military behind them?”
Wike said he had spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be addressed.
“We’re not here to fight anyone or cause chaos. But I will not allow illegal developments on government land, no matter who is involved,” he vowed.
APC Chieftain Demands Officer’s Dismissal
Reacting to the confrontation, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, called for the soldier involved to be disciplined.
In a Facebook post, Igbokwe condemned the altercation and demanded that the soldier’s uniform “be removed” for what he described as gross insubordination.
“Who is this man in uniform? Of what meat is he fed? Who is beating the drum for him? This is unacceptable. His uniform has to be removed,” Igbokwe wrote.
Wike Overstepped His Bounds – Ex-Aviation Minister Chidoka
Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, however, faulted Wike’s behaviour, accusing him of overstepping his authority.
In a statement titled “Minister Wike: Power, Process, and the Rule of Law,” Chidoka said the FCT Minister’s decision to personally enforce directives was “a fundamental misstep.”
“Any law enforcement officer, in uniform or plain clothes, represents the President and the sovereignty of the Nigerian state. To abuse such an officer is to diminish the authority of the Republic itself,” he said.
Chidoka added that ministers should act through institutions, not personal confrontation.
“A simple communication to the Minister of Defence would have sufficed if the officers acted unlawfully. Trading words with a uniformed officer erodes discipline and confuses hierarchy,” he said.
He also criticised Wike’s DSS security aides for escalating the situation instead of diffusing it.
Wike Should Avoid Confrontations With Soldiers – Shehu Sani
Former Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani, cautioned Wike against engaging in “performative confrontations” with security personnel.
“Wike is doing an excellent job in Abuja,” Sani said on X. “But he should not be encouraged to do this kind of stunt with soldiers.”
Military Veterans Slam Wike, Demand Apology
A coalition of Nigerian military veterans condemned Wike’s outburst, accusing him of disrespecting a uniformed officer and tarnishing the dignity of public office.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the group demanded that the Minister publicly apologise.
“How can a minister call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” Durowaiye-Herberts asked. “If he was responsible, he should have contacted the Chief of Naval Staff privately instead of trying to embarrass a retired senior officer.”
The coalition also warned against any disciplinary action against the soldier, threatening nationwide protests if punished.
“If the officer is sanctioned, veterans will occupy the FCT Minister’s office and residence,” the group warned.
“Military officers swear loyalty to the nation, not individuals. Wike’s words demeaned the dignity of his office,” the statement added.
Sign Of A Failed System – CSO
The Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) also condemned the alleged use of soldiers to guard the disputed property, calling it unconstitutional.
In a statement signed by its president, Olu Omotayo, the group said the act was “an aberration in a constitutional democracy” and “a sign of systemic failure.”
Omotayo said it was troubling that a retired senior military officer could deploy soldiers to protect personal property while insecurity continues to ravage many parts of the country.
“In a country where terrorists and bandits terrorise citizens daily, using soldiers to guard private land is shameful,” he stated.
Citing Section 217(2)(c) of the 1999 Constitution and a 2020 Court of Appeal ruling, Omotayo explained that the Armed Forces can only assist civil authorities when authorised by the President and under legal conditions.
“The Abuja land dispute is not an emergency or insurrection that justifies military deployment,” he said.
He warned that unchecked misuse of soldiers for private matters could embolden impunity and erode civil rights.
Wike’s Conduct Threatens National Security – Buratai
Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, condemned Wike’s conduct, calling it a threat to national security.
In a statement, Buratai said the Minister’s verbal assault on a military officer “undermines the chain of command, disrespects the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, and weakens morale within the armed forces.”
“This is beyond misconduct — it’s a national security issue,” Buratai said.
He urged Wike to apologise to both President Bola Tinubu and the officer involved.
“Our nation’s security must come first. The integrity of our Armed Forces cannot be compromised for politics or personal outbursts,” he stated.
