Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has condemned the alleged illegal occupation of a disputed parcel of land in Abuja by military personnel reportedly acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff, describing the act as lawless and unacceptable.
Wike made the remarks during a visit to the site on Tuesday after receiving reports that armed soldiers had forcefully driven away officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who were enforcing development control directives. The minister warned that no individual, regardless of past position or influence, would be allowed to intimidate government authorities or obstruct lawful enforcement actions.
“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.”
According to him, officials of the Department of Development Control were implementing his directive when they were confronted and chased away by armed soldiers allegedly acting under instructions from a retired senior 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 minister expressed disappointment that someone who once held a top military position could resort to such acts of intimidation rather than follow lawful procedures. “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,” he said.
Wike further disclosed that when FCTA officials requested 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?”
He stressed that the FCT Administration would not condone the misuse of military power to obstruct legitimate urban regulation, emphasizing that the rule of law must apply equally to all citizens. “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 its campaign to reclaim encroached lands and curb illegal developments, regardless of the status or influence of those involved.
