A dramatic confrontation erupted in Abuja on Tuesday when soldiers stopped the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and senior FCTA officials from accessing a disputed estate land.
In a video obtained by Diaspora Digital Media, soldiers guarding the site blocked the minister’s convoy, leading to a heated argument between Wike and one of the military officers on duty.
Wike, Soldier Exchange Words
Visibly furious, Wike accused the officer of obstructing government officials performing lawful duties. However, the soldier insisted he was acting under “lawful orders.”
In the viral video, Wike shouted, “Because you’re an officer, nobody does that. Nobody acquires land illegally!”
The soldier quickly responded, “Sir, we did not carry any land.”
Wike fired back, saying, “The man took this land, and we will not allow that just because he is the Chief of Army Staff.”
The officer, standing firm, said, “Sir, everything was acquired legally. Sir, you get the point.”
At that point, Wike snapped, “Will you stop that?”
“Sir, I’m an officer. I have integrity,” the soldier retorted.
“Shut up!” Wike ordered.
“Sir, I will not shut up. You can’t shut me up,” the soldier replied, refusing to back down.
Tense Standoff Draws Public Attention
The altercation stunned onlookers as both sides stood their ground. Wike, visibly enraged, called the soldier “a big fool,” but the officer maintained his composure, saying he was acting on instructions.
The standoff reportedly drew the attention of nearby residents, estate workers, and other FCTA officials.
According to witnesses, the confrontation nearly escalated before Wike’s security aides stepped in to calm the situation.
Ongoing Land Disputes Under Wike’s Watch
This is the latest in a string of land ownership disputes and demolition-related confrontations since Wike assumed office as FCT Minister.
His administration has frequently clashed with military and private estate developers over alleged illegal land allocations and encroachments.
As of press time, neither the Nigerian Army nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had released an official statement regarding the incident.
Background
The incident underscores growing tensions between federal ministries and security agencies over control of prime lands within Abuja’s city limits.
Analysts say the dispute reflects deeper institutional rivalries and the lack of a unified land administration framework in the capital.
Meanwhile, citizens on social media have called for restraint, urging both the FCTA and the military to resolve the matter legally to avoid further embarrassment to the federal government.
Watch the video below.
