The Federal Capital Development Authority has withdrawn its bulldozers and trucks from the disputed land in Gaduwa, Abuja, a property allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd).
The move comes less than 24 hours after the tense confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and military personnel who blocked him and his team from accessing the site.
During the standoff, Wike clashed with a naval officer, calling him “foolish,” but the officer responded firmly, “No sir, I am not a fool. I am an officer, and I have integrity.” The exchange quickly went viral, drawing extensive public reaction and prompting comparisons to past incidents, including the encounter in Magodo where Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu maintained a calm and measured approach during a similar security-related standoff.
In a striking twist, FCDA enforcement vehicles earlier deployed to clear the disputed property were moved away, leaving the land untouched. Eyewitnesses confirmed that no FCTA staff remained at the location as of this morning, and all machinery was withdrawn without explanation.
Passersby and onlookers at the scene reportedly cheered the development. As Wike’s men departed, the crowd booed and shouted, “Wike, shame on you!” capturing public displeasure with the minister’s recent actions, which many described as forceful and needlessly confrontational.
The viral footage showing jubilant bystanders has amplified growing tensions between federal authorities and the military establishment. It has also shifted public sentiment, with many observers now expressing sympathy for the military personnel involved and questioning the minister’s handling of the dispute.
