A tense confrontation unfolded in Abuja on Tuesday when Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and his security detail engaged in a heated exchange with officers of the Nigerian Navy over a disputed plot of land in Gaduwa District.
The plot in question—Plot 1946—has been designated as a buffer zone by the FCT Development Control Department and is not approved for development. However, the land is reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd.), a claim that triggered the standoff.
Trouble began when FCTA officials, led by Mukhah Galadima, attempted to halt ongoing construction at the site. According to sources, military personnel guarding the premises allegedly threatened to open fire on the officials, prompting Wike to visit the scene personally alongside the FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye.
Upon arrival, Wike’s convoy was blocked by about a dozen armed naval personnel led by Lt. AM Yarima, who denied the minister and his team access to the site. The situation quickly escalated into a verbal confrontation and a scuffle between the minister’s security aides and the soldiers.
Wike challenged the legality of the development, demanding the documents authorizing construction. Lt. Yarima countered that the land belonged to the former naval chief and insisted they possessed valid documentation.
“You cannot continue to act with impunity. You are not the one to determine legality,” Wike told the officer.
Lt. Yarima, visibly angered, stood firm. “It matters, sir. I am an officer. I take orders from a three-star General,” he said, at one point resisting attempts by the minister’s security detail to silence him. “You cannot shut me up. You are my juniors.”
The exchange grew increasingly heated as Wike accused the officers of intimidating civilians and abusing military authority. “This land does not belong to him. If there is a problem, come to my office. Carrying guns to intimidate Nigerians is unacceptable,” the minister said.
Yarima maintained his position, insisting the land was acquired legally and that he was acting strictly on orders. “I am an officer. I have integrity,” he retorted.
The confrontation culminated in both men trading sharp words, with Wike warning that no development would be allowed on the disputed plot. The naval officer remained defiant: “You can’t call me a fool. I am a commissioned officer.”
As of press time, it remained unclear whether construction at the site had been halted or if the matter had been escalated to higher authorities for resolution. The clash underscores ongoing tensions over land administration in the FCT and the frequent overlap between civilian planning authorities and military interests.
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