Wike tackles Soldiers over disputed Abuja Land linked to Ex-Naval Chief (Video)

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday visited Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja, after reports emerged that soldiers had taken over the disputed parcel of land allegedly connected to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).

During the surprise visit, Wike expressed anger after learning that officials from the FCT Department of Development Control were reportedly chased away from the site by armed soldiers while attempting to enforce a stop-work order earlier issued by his office.

The soldiers allegedly blocked entry to the plot with a truck and prevented the minister from accessing the area.

Wike said the incident came to his attention when FCT authorities discovered that the developers had neither valid documents nor official approval for the project.

“You are aware that the land departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT. 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 stated.

The minister expressed surprise that soldiers purportedly acting on the instructions of the retired Naval Chief had taken control of the property.

“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.

He noted that when officials demanded to see the required land documents and building approvals, none were presented.

“How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who do not have the military or security forces to protect them?” he queried.

Wike condemned the use of security operatives to obstruct lawful enforcement activities, warning that such acts would not be tolerated under his administration.

He disclosed that he had spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who both assured him that the issue would be handled peacefully.

“We are not here for confrontation or to cause chaos, but I will not allow illegality to thrive. The same way we enforce the law in other parts of Abuja is the same way we will do here. No one, not even a former Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law,” Wike declared.

The FCT Administration has recently intensified its clampdown on land racketeering and illegal property developments across Abuja, with several high-profile structures already demolished for violating city planning regulations.