The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has condemned the alleged invasion and illegal takeover of a disputed parcel of land in Abuja by military personnel said to be acting on the instructions of a former Chief of Naval Staff. Wike described the development as lawless, warning that no individual, no matter their rank or past office, would be permitted to intimidate government officials or obstruct the enforcement of the law.
The minister, who visited the site on Tuesday, expressed outrage after learning that soldiers had reportedly driven away officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who were on duty to stop illegal construction on the land. He said the FCT Administration would not tolerate any attempt to use military influence to override development control regulations.
“You are aware that the land departments and the Development Control have the mandate to monitor illegal development and land grabbing,” Wike said during the inspection. “When this matter was brought to my attention, I instructed them to ensure that nothing takes place there because there are no legal documents, no regional approval, no valid acquisition.”
According to him, the officials had been chased out of the site by armed soldiers allegedly operating under the orders of the retired officer. “I was informed that military personnel had to chase them away, and I thought that was illegal,” Wike said. “Today, 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 said he found it disturbing that a person who once served as a top military officer could choose intimidation over due process. “I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position cannot approach my office to present his case. Simply because he’s a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I will not succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” he declared.
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Wike revealed that when officials of the Department of Development Control requested documents to justify the occupation, none were produced. “They couldn’t show any land documents or building approval. How can we allow such lawlessness to stand? What about ordinary Nigerians who don’t have soldiers protecting them?” he asked.
He stressed that the FCT Administration would continue to enforce its urban development laws without fear or favor, insisting 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, and they assured me that the matter will be resolved,” he said. “We’re not here to cause chaos, but I will not allow illegality to thrive. Whether it’s a former Chief of Naval Staff or anyone else, no one will be allowed to carry out illegal development on government land.”
Wike reaffirmed his commitment to restoring order in the capital city’s land administration and vowed that the FCTA would reclaim every illegally occupied area. “Abuja is not for the powerful alone,” he said. “The law will take its full course.”
