A tense confrontation erupted on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a yet-to-be-identified military officer over an alleged case of land grabbing in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.
A video circulating online captured the heated exchange, in which Wike accused the officer of unlawfully taking possession of a parcel of land purportedly 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?” the visibly angered minister said in the footage.
The officer, dressed in military camouflage, interrupted the minister, asserting that the property was acquired legitimately. “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he said.
Wike, however, dismissed the explanation and ordered the officer to remain silent. When the officer refused, saying, “I will not shut up,” the minister shot back, “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”
The confrontation intensified as the officer maintained he was on official deployment to the site, prompting Wike to respond, “You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see.”
As at press time, neither the Nigerian military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had issued an official response to the incident.
Land disputes and unauthorised developments remain a recurring challenge in the FCT. Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has launched a series of enforcement actions, including demolitions of illegal structures, as part of his drive to restore the Abuja Master Plan and curb unlawful land acquisition.
Between Nyesom Wike and a military officer 😳🧎♂️ pic.twitter.com/AQJpZwyis5
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) November 11, 2025
