Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly condemned what he described as an unlawful takeover of disputed government land in Abuja by military personnel allegedly acting on the instructions of a former Chief of Naval Staff.
Wike, who visited the site on Tuesday after receiving reports that soldiers had forcibly removed officials of the Department of Development Control, said the act amounted to open defiance of the law and would not be tolerated under his administration.
“I find it unbelievable that soldiers would chase away our development control officers who were simply doing their lawful duty,” the minister said. “No one, regardless of rank or past position, will be allowed to intimidate government agencies or disrupt the enforcement of the law in the FCT.”
The minister explained that the disputed parcel of land had no valid allocation or approval for development, and he had earlier instructed that all ongoing activities there be halted.
“When the case was brought to my attention, I made it clear that no construction should continue since there was no valid document, no regional approval, and no legal acquisition,” he stated. “Yet, officials were prevented from enforcing this order by soldiers allegedly acting for a retired senior military officer.”
Wike expressed disappointment that a former service chief would resort to using armed personnel to seize land rather than follow due administrative channels.
“It is unfortunate that someone who once held a high military office would behave this way. If he has a genuine claim, he should come to my office and present his documents,” Wike said. “But to use soldiers to intimidate our staff is unacceptable. I will not yield to blackmail or coercion.”
He added that when FCTA officials requested legal documentation from those occupying the land, none was provided.
“The Director of Development Control asked them to produce their land documents and building approvals, but they had none,” he said. “We cannot allow this kind of lawlessness to persist. What message does it send to ordinary Nigerians who obey the rules?”
The minister noted that he had spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom assured him that the issue would be promptly addressed.
“We are not here for confrontation,” Wike said. “But we will enforce the law without fear or favour. Whether it is a former Chief of Naval Staff or any other person, illegal development on government land will not be allowed.”
He reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to restoring order, protecting public property, and ensuring that land administration in the nation’s capital operates strictly under the rule of law.
“Abuja must not become a place where power or influence overrides legality,” Wike declared. “Everyone, no matter how highly placed, must respect the law.”