Navy Silent as Wike Confronts Officers Over Alleged Land Grabbing in Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has maintained silence following a heated confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and some naval personnel over an alleged case of land grabbing in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.

According to a report by PUNCH, when contacted on Tuesday, Navy spokesman A. Adams-Aliyu declined to comment, saying only, “No reply for now.”

The clash occurred during Wike’s visit to the disputed land, which the minister claimed had been illegally taken over by the military. The property is reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

A viral video from the scene showed an angry Wike questioning why naval officers were laying claim to the land. “Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike fumed.

In response, a uniformed officer insisted that the land was lawfully acquired. “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he said.

The exchange grew tense as Wike ordered him to be quiet. When the officer refused, saying, “I will not shut up,” the minister fired back, “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”

The officer maintained that he was acting on official orders to protect the site, but Wike vowed that such actions would not stand. “You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see,” the minister said angrily.

In a statement issued by the Assistant Director of Press in the Minister’s Office, Rabi Umar, Wike condemned the incident, calling it an act of lawlessness by military personnel.

“I instructed FCTA officials to ensure no activity takes place on any land without valid building approval or legal acquisition documents. I was informed the military chased them away, so I came to verify,” Wike explained.

He further accused the former Chief of Naval Staff of using his influence to intimidate FCTA officials. “It’s unfortunate. You heard what the officer said, he was sent by the former Chief of Naval Staff. I don’t understand how someone who held such a position feels he can use the military to intimidate Nigerians. I won’t succumb to blackmail,” he said.

As of press time, the Nigerian Navy has yet to issue an official response regarding the confrontation or the ownership of the disputed land.