FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has condemned the alleged takeover of a disputed land in Abuja by military personnel, reportedly acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff. Wike described the act as “lawless and unacceptable” and ordered a halt to the illegal development.
According to Wike, the FCTA officials were enforcing development control directives when they were chased away by armed soldiers. “You are aware that the land departments and the Development Control have the mandate to monitor illegal development and land grabbing,” the minister said.
“When this was brought to my attention, I instructed them to ensure that nothing takes place there, as there were no legal documents—no regional approval, no valid acquisition,” Wike added.
The minister expressed shock that a person who once held a top military position could resort to such intimidation rather than follow due process. “I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position cannot approach my office to 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,” Wike said firmly.
When 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?” Wike queried.
The minister maintained that the FCT Administration would not tolerate the misuse of military power to obstruct legitimate urban regulation, stressing 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 whether a former Chief of Naval Staff or anyone else will be allowed to carry out illegal development on government land,” Wike reaffirmed.
The minister reiterated his commitment to restoring order and accountability in Abuja’s land administration, warning that the FCTA would continue to reclaim encroached areas, no matter how powerful those involved may be.
