A confrontation broke out in Gaduwa District between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and a detachment of naval officers led by Lt. A.M. Yarima over the development of Plot 1946, a parcel the FCT Development and Control unit says is a designated buffer and not approved for construction.
The dispute on Tuesday, escalated into a physical scuffle between Wike’s security detail and the soldiers after the military officers about 12 in number blocked the minister, his security team and FCTA officials led by Mukhah Galadima from accessing the site. FCT Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye and DSS personnel accompanied the minister.
Key points
– Plot 1946 is said to belong to former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd) but is designated by the FCTA as a buffer not open to development.
– Wike accused the officers of intimidating FCTA field staff and attempting an illegal development, demanding to see documents proving the soldiers’ claim to the land.
– Lt. Yarima maintained the acquisition was lawful and said he was acting on orders, prompting a heated exchange that included threats and insults from both sides.
– The incident reportedly began after FCTA advance teams were allegedly threatened with being shot while trying to halt further work at the site.
– A scuffle occurred between the minister’s aides and the soldiers; no information on injuries has been released.
Quotes recorded on video show Wike insisting the development would not be allowed to proceed and chastising the officer for using his position to intimidate civilians. Yarima replied that he was following orders and asserted his status as a commissioned officer.
Officials’ response
At the time of filing, there was no immediate official statement from the Defence Headquarters or the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The incident underscores tensions over land allocations in Abuja and raises questions about civil‑military relations in land administration.
The matter could prompt formal review by FCTA authorities to verify ownership documents and determine next steps.
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