Wike Orders Stop To Military Takeover Of Abuja Land

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has condemned the alleged illegal takeover of a disputed land in Abuja by soldiers said to be acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff.

Wike described the action as unlawful and unacceptable during a visit to the site on Tuesday after reports that military personnel had chased away FCTA officials who were enforcing development control directives.

He said no one, regardless of their past position, would be allowed to intimidate government officials or obstruct lawful enforcement.

“When I heard that soldiers chased away Development Control officers, I found it shocking. They were simply carrying out my instruction to stop work on a land without valid documents or approval,” Wike said.

He accused the retired officer behind the incident of using military influence to defy the law, insisting that such behavior would not be tolerated.

The minister said officials demanded documents to justify the occupation but none were produced. “They don’t have title documents or building approval. We cannot allow lawlessness to prevail. The law must apply equally to all Nigerians,” he stated.

Wike said he had spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the issue would be resolved peacefully.

He, however, warned that the FCT Administration would not permit illegal developments or the misuse of military power to obstruct urban regulation.

“Nobody, not even a former Chief of Naval Staff, will be allowed to build illegally on government land,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to restoring order and accountability in Abuja’s land administration.