Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, confronted some military officers over alleged illegal residential buildings said to have been erected on government-acquired land in Abuja. The heated encounter reportedly occurred during an inspection tour of the area by the minister and FCTA officials.
According to reports, the FCT Minister, known for his firm stance on urban planning violations, expressed shock and anger upon discovering that some of the structures in question were allegedly linked to serving military personnel. Wike questioned why the officers had encroached on land belonging to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) without proper authorization.
Video clips circulating on social media show the minister in a heated exchange with some uniformed officers, insisting that “no one is above the law” and that government land must be protected from unlawful occupation.
An eyewitness at the scene quoted Wike as saying, “This city must be governed by rules. Whether you’re a civilian or a military officer, illegal structures will not be tolerated. The law must apply to everyone equally.”
Officials from the FCTA Department of Development Control confirmed that the disputed structures were built without valid approvals and may be subject to demolition once investigations are concluded. They emphasized that the FCTA had previously issued notices warning all occupants to vacate the land.
An Eyewitness told journalists that the affected area falls within a restricted security zone, making the alleged encroachment more serious. “If verified, this is a gross violation of land administration laws. Even if the persons involved are in the military, due process will take its course,” the source stated.
The incident has since sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians commending Wike for standing his ground and others calling for a careful approach to avoid military-civilian tension. Urban planning advocates say the development reflects broader issues of land abuse and weak enforcement in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the FCT Administration is expected to meet with military authorities to address the allegations and prevent further unauthorized constructions in sensitive areas of the capital city.
Wike’s confrontation with military officers highlights his ongoing campaign to enforce land-use laws and restore order to Abuja’s development. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how illegal property ownership, even by security officials, is handled in the FCT.
