Tension in Gaduwa: Wike clashes with soldiers, accuses military of land grab in Abuja

A dramatic confrontation unfolded on Tuesday in the Gaduwa district of Abuja when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, clashed with armed soldiers over a disputed parcel of land, accusing them of illegal occupation and intimidation.

The incident, which highlighted growing friction between civil authorities and the military over land control in the FCT, began when Wike arrived with his entourage to inspect the site but was stopped by armed troops guarding the area.

An aide to the minister reportedly confronted the soldiers, saying the situation was “unprofessional” and that they could not “be threatening a minister like this.”

Visibly angered, Wike demanded to see proof of the land’s allocation from FCTA records, insisting the soldiers were acting without any legal authority. He declared, “You have no document,” linking the irregular development to directives allegedly issued by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.

“We cannot continue to act in impunity,” the minister said. “You cannot be carrying a gun to intimidate anybody. I am not one of those they can intimidate.”

The soldiers, however, refused to vacate the premises, maintaining that they were acting on superior orders. The confrontation intensified as Wike questioned how a former naval chief could allow such a situation to escalate without seeking resolution through proper administrative channels.

During the heated exchange, Wike was heard saying, “Show me the document. You have no document. Print the document. I have documents and everything,” while one of the soldiers responded, “We are not intimidating anybody. We are acting on orders.”

The tension grew as one of Wike’s aides interjected, saying, “This is not professional. Nobody can shut me up. I’m not a fool.”

The soldiers insisted that the land had been legitimately acquired and defended the ongoing construction handled by a civilian engineer. One officer reportedly said, “I’m an officer. So what? You have a hook than me? I’m acting on orders.”

Despite Wike’s warning that “you can never develop this property, I will not allow it,” the military personnel remained on site, warning against any attempts to stop their work but denying any intent to harm.

The disputed land has since remained under military control.

Tuesday’s incident comes amid Wike’s broader crackdown on land irregularities in the FCT. He recently gave property owners violating land-use regulations a 14-day ultimatum and imposed a five-million-naira penalty for non-compliance.

The Gaduwa clash underscores the challenges the minister faces in enforcing land policies, particularly when high-ranking military interests are involved.

As of press time, the FCT Administration had yet to comment on the development, while efforts to reach the Nigerian Army and Navy for official statements proved unsuccessful.