Armed military officers, reportedly acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff, blocked efforts by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to halt an alleged illegal development at Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
The confrontation occurred on Tuesday when FCT officials arrived at the site to demolish structures deemed unapproved. Wike, accompanied by the FCT Police Commissioner, Miller Dantawaye, was initially denied entry by the stationed military personnel.
Despite the obstruction, Wike was able to access the property with assistance from his security aides. He condemned the military officers’ actions as an attempt at intimidation and vowed to resist what he described as “illegal land grabbing.”
“Despite military intimidation, I will not succumb and allow this land grabbing. It is an illegality that must not stand,” Wike said, accusing the retired officer of developing government land without proper authorisation.
The minister stated that he had contacted both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be resolved. “The government will not tolerate impunity or lawlessness, regardless of the personalities involved,” he added.
According to Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, the property had not been allocated by the FCT Administration and lacked valid ownership or building permits.
In response, the Naval officer at the site instructed his men to maintain their position, insisting he was “acting on instruction from above” and claiming all relevant documents had been forwarded to the responsible officials.
Wike reaffirmed that the FCT Administration would continue to curb illegal developments without fear or favour, stating that no individual, regardless of rank, would be allowed to flout the law.
