Tension In Abuja As Soldiers Prevent Wike From Accessing Disputed Gaduwa Plot Linked To Ex-Naval Chief [VIDEO]

 

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Monday faced a dramatic confrontation with armed soldiers at Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja, after arriving at the site to investigate allegations of illegal land occupation and development. The tense scene unfolded when the minister’s convoy was blocked by a military truck, preventing his entry into the disputed property, which is reportedly associated with former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).

The minister, visibly angry at the obstruction, accused the soldiers of overstepping their authority and attempting to intimidate government officials who were simply carrying out their lawful duties. According to him, officers from the FCT Department of Development Control had earlier been dispatched to the location to enforce a stop-work order but were chased away by armed personnel believed to be acting under the retired naval officer’s instructions.

Addressing reporters at the scene, Wike questioned why a person of such former high military standing would resort to using soldiers to secure disputed land instead of following lawful channels. He described the act as an affront to constituted authority and a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law. “I am shocked that anyone who once held a position of great responsibility in our armed forces would choose intimidation over dialogue. If there is any legitimate claim to this property, the right thing is to approach my office, not to deploy soldiers against civil authorities,” he said.

He emphasized that his administration will not tolerate any form of land grabbing or illegal development in the capital city. The minister explained that the FCT land and development agencies had been directed to intensify surveillance against such violations and enforce strict compliance with urban planning regulations. “We have a duty to protect Abuja from illegal development and fraudulent land activities. Our goal is to ensure transparency and fairness in land administration,” he added.

Officials of the FCT Administration confirmed that the property in question lacked valid documentation and had not received any legal development approval. They noted that several warnings and directives had been ignored by those occupying the plot, prompting the minister’s unannounced inspection.

Eyewitnesses described the confrontation as tense, with soldiers refusing to yield even after realizing the minister was present. Security operatives attached to Wike’s convoy had to engage in prolonged dialogue before the situation was brought under control. Residents of the area expressed concern over the show of force, describing it as both embarrassing and alarming.

Wike vowed that the government would not be cowed by military intimidation or any form of influence in the ongoing efforts to sanitize land administration within the FCT. He reaffirmed that all illegal structures, no matter who is involved, will be subject to enforcement actions. “No one is above the law. Whether retired or serving, everyone must respect the rules guiding land ownership and development in Abuja,” he declared.

The confrontation has stirred conversations across political and security circles, with many observers calling for an investigation into the role of the soldiers and the authenticity of the ownership claims over Plot 1946. For now, the FCT Administration maintains that construction on the land remains suspended pending a full review of all related documents and circumstances surrounding the disputed site.

“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 kpai everybody here.I’m not one of those that you can intimidate”

- Minister Nyesom Wike shouts on soldiers stopping him from entering the land😭💔 pic.twitter.com/JzlKA1z9VJ

— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) November 11, 2025