A former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), has described the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Nigerian Navy officer in Abuja as “a clear and present danger to national security.”
Buratai, who served as Nigeria’s Army Chief between 2015 and 2021, said the incident was not just a case of misconduct but a serious threat to the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and the integrity of the Armed Forces. He made this known in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, calling for urgent corrective action to address the issue.
The controversy began at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, where Minister Wike reportedly led officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to stop what he called “an illegal construction” on a disputed parcel of land.
According to reports, the property in question is allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, which may explain the presence of naval personnel at the site.
In a viral video of the incident that has circulated widely on social media, Wike is seen engaging in a heated exchange with a naval officer who was at the scene. The officer, dressed in uniform, was said to be overseeing activities on the property when the minister arrived.
Wike, visibly angry, questioned the officer’s authority to occupy the land, insisting that no one — not even military officers — was above the law.
“You are in uniform, and you’re telling me that the Navy owns this land? Who gave you the right to build without approval? Even if you are the Chief of Naval Staff, the law must be respected,” Wike was heard saying in the video clip.
The unnamed naval officer reportedly responded that the land belonged to a former service chief and that the military had authorisation to protect it from encroachment.
Reacting to the incident, General Buratai strongly condemned the minister’s public outburst, saying it was “a reckless act that strikes at the core of Nigeria’s command and control structure.”
According to him, public humiliation of a uniformed officer, particularly by a senior government official, sends the wrong signal to the entire military establishment and could have long-term consequences for national stability.
“A minister’s verbal assault on a military officer in uniform is an act of profound indiscipline that strikes at the very foundation of our national security apparatus,” Buratai wrote. “It is not political theatre—it is a reckless endangerment of national order.”
He further argued that such actions could weaken the morale of military officers and encourage disrespect for the armed forces at a time when Nigeria is facing multiple security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and separatist agitations.
“This action by Wike is clearly an indication of undermining the Federal Government’s authority. It disrespects the Commander-in-Chief and wounds the morale of every officer who serves under the Nigerian flag,” Buratai added.
Buratai urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to treat the matter as a serious national security issue. He called on the FCT Minister to publicly apologise to the President, the Armed Forces, and the officer involved.
“Barrister Nyesom Wike must tender an immediate and unequivocal public apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief, to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and to the specific officer whose honour was violated,” he said.
“The integrity of our Armed Forces demands nothing less. Our nation’s security must come first. It is time for decisive action, not politics of military bashing,” he added.
Nyesom Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the FCT, is known for his outspoken and confrontational style of leadership. Since assuming office as minister in 2023, he has launched several aggressive campaigns to reclaim government lands, demolish illegal structures, and enforce development regulations in the capital city.
While many residents have praised his actions for restoring order and sanity to Abuja, critics say his approach often lacks diplomacy and sensitivity. This latest clash has reignited that debate, with some describing it as a sign of his high-handedness.
In Rivers State, where he served as governor from 2015 to 2023, Wike was also known for similar confrontations with political opponents, federal agencies, and even traditional rulers. His supporters often defend him as a man who insists on due process and accountability, while his critics accuse him of being intolerant and authoritarian.
Nigeria has a long history of tension between civilian authorities and the military, largely due to the country’s experience with several military regimes before the return to democracy in 1999. Since then, efforts have been made to ensure that the armed forces remain under strict civilian control.
The video of the confrontation has sparked divided reactions among Nigerians. Some citizens have supported Wike, arguing that public officials, including members of the armed forces, must obey laws governing land use and development in Abuja.
Others, however, side with Buratai, saying Wike’s approach was disrespectful and could provoke unnecessary tension between the civilian government and the military.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote: “Wike may be right about the land issue, but embarrassing a uniformed officer in public is not leadership.” Another user countered: “No one is above the law. The military must not see itself as untouchable.”
It remains unclear how President Tinubu’s administration will handle the matter. Some sources within the presidency suggest the issue may be quietly resolved behind closed doors to avoid escalating tension. Others believe the government may issue guidelines to prevent similar confrontations in the future.
