ABUJA, FCT — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has condemned the alleged illegal takeover of a disputed land in Abuja by military personnel reportedly acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff, describing the act as lawless and unacceptable.
Wike personally visited the site on Tuesday after receiving reports that soldiers had driven away FCTA officials enforcing development control directives. He said no individual, no matter their former position, would be allowed to intimidate government authorities. Obstructing enforcement of the law is also unacceptable.
“The land departments and Development Control have a mandate to monitor illegal development. They are responsible for detecting land grabbing,” the minister said.
“When this was brought to my attention, I instructed them to ensure that nothing takes place there. There were no legal documents present. Specifically, there was no regional approval or valid acquisition.”
According to Wike, officials of the Department of Development Control were on site. They were there to implement his directive. Armed soldiers allegedly acted under the instruction of a retired senior officer and chased them away.
“I was informed that the soldiers of the military had to chase them away. I thought they were acting illegally,” Wike said. “Today, while I was in the office, I was called again that the military had taken over the place. I had to come myself to see things. It’s really unfortunate.”
He expressed shock. A person who once held a top military position could resort to such intimidation. It is surprising that they did not follow due process.
“I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position can’t approach my office. They should say, ‘Look, this is what is going on.’ But simply because he’s a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one of those that will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” the minister said firmly.
Wike also disclosed that when the FCTA officials demanded documents to justify the occupation, none were produced.
“The Director of Development Control said, ‘Bring the documents’ they don’t have them. ‘Bring approval for building’ they don’t have it. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail? What about those who don’t have the military behind them? What about ordinary Nigerians?”
The minister maintained that the FCT Administration would not tolerate the misuse of military power. He emphasized that it must not obstruct legitimate urban regulation. The minister stressed that the rule of law must apply to all.
“I have spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff. They assured me that the matter will be resolved. We’re not here to have a shootout with anybody or cause chaos,” Wike said.
“But I will not allow this to happen. The same way we enforce our laws in other areas is the same way it will be done here. Nobody will be allowed to carry out illegal development on government land. This includes a former Chief of Naval Staff or anyone else.”
Wike reaffirmed his commitment to restoring order and accountability in Abuja’s land administration. He warned that the FCTA would continue to reclaim encroached areas. This will happen no matter how powerful those involved may be.
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