Breaking: Wike Opens Up After Fiery Clash With Soldiers in Abuja Over Land
- Nyesom Wike, the minister of the FCT, has vowed to resist what he described as impunity within the FCT, Abuja, and uphold justice
- Wike spoke on an earlier confrontation on Tuesday, November 11, between him and an unidentified military officer
- The confrontation stemmed from an alleged land-grabbing incident in Abuja, the Nigerian capital city
Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
FCT, Abuja - Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has condemned the alleged illegal takeover of a disputed land in Abuja by military personnel allegedly acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff.
According to a statement on Tuesday, November 11, by Lere Olayinka, Wike's spokesperson, obtained by Legit.ng, the FCT minister described the act as unacceptable and lawless.
Source: Facebook
Wike, who visited the site on Tuesday, November 11, after reportedly receiving reports that soldiers drove away Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) officials enforcing development control directives, stated that no individual, regardless of their former position, would be allowed to intimidate government authorities or obstruct the enforcement of the law.
The minister said:
“You are aware that the land departments and the Development Control have the mandate to monitor illegal development and land grabbing.
“When this was brought to my attention, I instructed them to ensure that nothing takes place there, as there were no legal documents, no regional approval, no valid acquisition.”
Wike defends enforcements in Abuja
Wike continued:
“I was informed that the soldiers of the military had to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally. “Today, while I was in the office, I was called again that the military had taken over the place. I had to come myself to see things. It’s really unfortunate.”
He expressed shock that a person who once held a top military position could resort to such intimidation.
The minister maintained that the FCTA would not tolerate the misuse of military power to obstruct legitimate urban regulation, stressing that the rule of law must apply to all.
“I have spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff. They assured me that the matter will be resolved. We’re not here to have a shootout with anybody or cause chaos. But I will not allow this to happen. The same way we enforce our laws in other areas is the same way it will be done here. Nobody whether a former Chief of Naval Staff or anyone else will be allowed to carry out illegal development on government land.”
Wike vs soldiers: Nigerians react
Meanwhile, several Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) are reacting to the quarrel.
Legit.ng captured some comments below:
@emeka306 wrote:
"This young Naval Soldier that politely made Wike cry today , God will bless you for your courage."
@Maibitil_ tweeted:
"Proud of you bro Lt AM Yerima. The gallant Officer that shows Wike Military is not Ministry."
@gentle0527 wrote:
"In Wike's mind, if ten of this officer dey this country wahala dey for us oo."
@Ekwulu said:
"This is the kind of spine people need in this country. How can Wike talk to a military officer like this in public?"
@D_Real_Brainiac tweeted:
"Yarima of the Nigerian Navy is the name An exboy turned commissioned officer. A nepo baby, so he doesn't respect money And best of all, Wike's nightmare."
@Danivanilla1 wrote:
"I'm not a fool, sir", a young Nigerian officer says courageously in response to Wike, the FCT Minister in Abuja. Is the government fighting against the government? Or is it Corruption being challenged?"
@jon_d_doe said:
"Dear @HQNigerianArmy, please, reward this fine soldier for his professional behaviour and for standing his grounds. Wike is not your commander in Chief. God bless the officer. Amen."
Senator Shehu Sani wrote:
"Wike is doing an excellent job in Abuja, but should not be encouraged to do this kind of stunt with soldiers."
@kmbiamnozie wrote:
"Wike’s tantrum and the humiliation he took today prove a simple truth: power without accountability is hollow. These people parade as untouchable because we let them. Turn the tables treat them like any other public servant, refuse their trappings, deny them the spectacle and the swagger falls away.
"The day Nigerians stop granting them peace and privilege, they’ll find themselves jetting off in fear of their own reputations. Just one day of collective backbone is all it takes to humble them forever."
Wike: Tinubu’s aide prevented bloodbath
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Wike insinuated that General Olufemi Oluyede, the new chief of defence staff (CDS), prevented what would have been a mass killing in Abuja on Tuesday, November 11.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed General Oluyede as the new CDS in October 2025, replacing General Christopher Musa. The appointment was part of a major reshuffle of Nigeria's military leadership, with other new service chiefs also appointed.
Source: Legit.ng
