A heated confrontation between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and some soldiers in Abuja has dominated national discourse. The clash occurred during a Tuesday enforcement exercise at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
Viral footage showed Wike angrily confronting soldiers who allegedly stopped FCTA officials from sealing off the disputed site. “You send soldiers to intimidate who?” he shouted, accusing them of protecting an illegal structure.
Public reaction has been divided — while some hailed Wike’s firmness, others criticised his outburst as unministerial.
Vice Admiral Gambo, born in 1966 in Kano, served as Nigeria’s 21st Chief of Naval Staff from 2021 to 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari. A career officer, he held several strategic military roles and holds advanced degrees in transport management and logistics.
Wike said he visited the site after reports that armed soldiers drove away FCTA officials. “They have no legal documents or building approvals,” he stated, vowing to enforce Abuja’s master plan without fear or favour.
He confirmed contacting the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Naval Staff to resolve the issue, stressing that no one — including former top officers — is above the law.
Meanwhile, Wike has given property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse 14 days, from November 11 to 25, 2025, to pay a ₦5 million fine for violating land-use regulations or face enforcement action.
