Former Senator and public commentator, Shehu Sani, has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against performing stunts involving soldiers following a widely circulated video showing a heated confrontation in Abuja.
In a post on his social media handle, X (formerly Twitter), Sani said, “Wike is doing an excellent job in Abuja but should not be encouraged to do this kind of stunt with soldiers.”
The statement comes after a viral video showed Wike clashing with soldiers over access to a disputed piece of land, Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, within the FCT. In the clip, the Minister is seen arguing with the soldiers while FCT officials try to access the property.
According to the Minister, the soldiers were reportedly acting on instructions from a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd.). Wike said he was surprised to learn that the military personnel had taken over the property, preventing FCT officials from performing their duties.
“You are aware that the Land Departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT,” Wike said while speaking to journalists shortly after the incident.
“When this matter was brought to my attention, I directed that nothing should take place on that plot since there were no legal documents or urban regional approvals. Unfortunately, I was informed that soldiers chased our officials away,” he added.
The Minister expressed concern that a former high-ranking officer would not approach his office to resolve the issue but instead allegedly used soldiers to intimidate FCT officials.
“I don’t understand how someone who once occupied such a high office cannot come to the FCT Minister to explain his situation but instead uses soldiers to intimidate people. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” Wike said.
The Federal Capital Territory has long faced challenges with illegal land acquisitions, encroachment, and disputes. The FCT Land Use Act gives the Minister oversight over all land within Abuja, and officials from the Land Administration and Development Control Departments are tasked with enforcing regulations and monitoring illegal developments.
Despite these measures, conflicts over land ownership remain common, sometimes involving high-profile individuals or former government officials. Wike has made land administration a priority since assuming office, emphasizing transparency and strict enforcement of planning regulations to prevent illegal occupation and land grabbing.
Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker and human rights activist, warned that incidents like these could set dangerous precedents.
While praising Wike’s performance in the FCT, Sani highlighted that restraint is necessary to avoid escalation. “The Minister should be careful and ensure that his interventions do not encourage stunts involving security personnel. Civil matters must remain civil,” he added.
The confrontation has generated widespread attention across social media platforms and traditional media, with citizens and political analysts expressing mixed reactions.
Since assuming office as FCT Minister, Wike has prioritized urban planning and the enforcement of existing land regulations. His administration has clamped down on illegal land allocations, unauthorized construction, and encroachments in various parts of Abuja.
Speaking about the Gaduwa incident, Wike reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all land within the FCT is properly documented and that illegal developments are stopped.
“This is not about confrontation; this is about upholding the law. The Land Departments have the mandate to monitor and regulate land use, and we will not allow anyone, regardless of status, to undermine the system,” Wike said.
The Minister also highlighted that the FCT administration will continue to engage with all stakeholders, including former officials, to resolve land disputes amicably.
The Gaduwa land dispute highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s land administration system, including unclear documentation, overlapping claims, and occasional involvement of powerful individuals.