Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has strongly condemned what he described as an illegal military takeover of disputed land in Abuja, allegedly orchestrated under the direction of a former Chief of Naval Staff. Wike called the incident lawless and unacceptable.
The minister personally visited the site on Tuesday after reports emerged that soldiers had driven away FCTA officials enforcing development control directives.
Wike emphasized that no individual, regardless of former position, would be allowed to intimidate government authorities or obstruct the enforcement of the law.
“You are aware that the land departments and the Development Control have the mandate to monitor illegal development and land grabbing,” Wike said.
“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.”
He revealed that officials of the Department of Development Control, while executing his directives, were chased away by armed soldiers allegedly acting under the instruction of a retired senior military officer.
“I was informed that the soldiers of the military had to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally,” Wike said. “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.”
The FCT Minister expressed shock that a former top military officer would resort to intimidation instead of following due process.
“I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position cannot approach my office to say, ‘Look, this is what is going on.’ But simply because he’s a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one of those that will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” Wike asserted firmly.
He further disclosed that when FCTA officials demanded documentation to justify the occupation, none was presented.
“The Director of Development Control said, ‘Bring the documents’—they don’t have them. ‘Bring approval for building’—they don’t have it. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail? What about those who don’t have the military behind them? What about ordinary Nigerians?”
Wike stressed that the FCT Administration would not tolerate the misuse of military power to obstruct legitimate urban regulation and reiterated that the rule of law applies 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,” Wike said.
“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.”
Reaffirming his commitment to restoring order and accountability in Abuja’s land administration, Wike warned that the FCTA would continue to reclaim encroached areas, regardless of the power or influence of those involved.
