Former military generals have condemned the confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and naval officer A. Yerima over a land dispute, saying such incidents undermine military discipline, the chain of command, and institutional respect.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, confirmed that the ministry is investigating the matter, assuring that the Armed Forces would protect personnel performing lawful duties. Badaru praised Yerima for maintaining composure during the encounter, stating that officers carrying out lawful duties would be protected.
The clash occurred after a dispute over a piece of land reportedly guarded by military personnel under Yerima, following instructions from former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.). Wike accused the ex-CNS of illegally claiming the property. Video footage showed the FCT minister confronting the officer.
Retired Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, called on Wike to publicly apologize to the President, the Armed Forces, and the naval officer, describing the minister’s actions as disrespectful. Brig. Gen. Peter Aro (retd.) emphasized that Wike should have raised concerns through formal channels rather than public confrontation. Retired Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi described the incident as unacceptable, stressing that clashes with military personnel indirectly challenge the President’s authority as Commander-in-Chief.
The FCT minister’s spokesperson defended Wike, explaining that the dispute involved land originally allocated in 2007 for park and recreation purposes. The land had been illegally partitioned and sold, including to Gambo, and is designated for public and corporate use, not private residences. Gambo had no valid title or approved building plan for the property.
Legal experts weighed in, stating that the naval officer’s obstruction of Wike was unlawful. Wike acted within his powers delegated by the President over FCT land administration, making his actions legal. While some argued that the minister’s physical presence on-site may have been unnecessary, they agreed that any civilian-military conflict should follow proper channels to avoid escalation.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions over the limits of civil authority and military duties, raising concerns about respect for institutional roles and proper procedures in land administration.
