A heated confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a uniformed military officer during an enforcement operation in Abuja has set off a storm of reactions across Nigeria.

A video obtained by PulseNets shows the Minister engaged in a heated argument with soldiers attempting to prevent FCTA officials from gaining access to a disputed property within the city. The confrontation reportedly occurred when Wike led an enforcement team to reclaim a controversial plot of land allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).

In the viral footage, Wike could be seen visibly enraged, ordering the soldiers to vacate the area while accusing the developers of operating without valid approval. When one of the officers resisted, the Minister snapped, shouting:

“Keep quiet! You don’t talk when I’m talking. You think you can intimidate us with uniforms? We’re all Nigerians. If not for the Chief of Defence Staff who just called me, things would have gone differently here.”

PulseNets learnt that the altercation has since ignited a storm of public opinion, dividing Nigerians between those praising Wike’s firmness and others faulting his lack of restraint.

Wike Reacts: “I Won’t Be Intimidated by Anyone”

Following the incident, Wike issued a strongly worded statement condemning what he described as “the unlawful occupation of government land by soldiers acting under private instructions.”

In a post shared by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the Minister maintained that Abuja’s development laws must be respected by all, regardless of status.

“No one is above the law in this city,” Wike said. “I instructed that no construction should continue on that land since there are no legal documents or approvals. Yet, our officers were chased away by armed men.”

He explained that he personally visited the site after reports indicated that soldiers had returned to block officials from carrying out their duties.

“How can a former service chief use soldiers to intimidate civil authorities?” he queried. “I won’t bow to blackmail or threats. They have no ownership papers, no approval—nothing.”

PulseNets reported that Wike has since contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who both assured him the matter would be addressed swiftly.

“We are not looking for conflict,” he said. “But I will not watch illegality thrive in the FCT. Everyone, regardless of rank or title, must obey the law.”

APC Chieftain Backs Wike, Calls for Soldier’s Discipline

In a swift reaction, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Joe Igbokwe expressed outrage over the soldier’s conduct, calling for immediate disciplinary action.

In a Facebook post sighted by PulseNets, Igbokwe wrote:

“That soldier should be stripped of his uniform. His behaviour was unacceptable and disrespectful to constituted authority.”

Chidoka Faults Wike’s Approach

However, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, criticised Wike’s behaviour, describing it as “an overreach of executive power.”

In a statement titled “Minister Wike: Power, Process, and the Rule of Law” and obtained by PulseNets, Chidoka said:

“Any officer in uniform represents the President and the sovereignty of the nation. To publicly insult such an officer undermines state authority.”

He stressed that Wike should have communicated through the Ministry of Defence instead of personally confronting the soldiers, adding that such actions erode discipline and confuse the chain of command.

Chidoka also faulted the conduct of Wike’s security aides, saying their duty was to “de-escalate tension, not fuel it.”

Shehu Sani Warns Against ‘Stunts With Soldiers’

Former Kaduna senator Shehu Sani also weighed in, advising Wike to avoid what he described as “performative confrontations.”

“Wike is doing well in Abuja,” he posted on X, “but he must resist the urge to engage in dramatic standoffs with soldiers.”

Military Veterans Demand Public Apology

A coalition of retired Nigerian military officers has condemned Wike’s comments, describing them as “disrespectful and unbecoming of a public official.”

The veterans, in a statement made available to PulseNets by spokesperson Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, said:

“Calling a serving officer ‘a fool’ on camera is disgraceful. The Minister owes the military an apology.”

They warned that any disciplinary action against the soldier would provoke nationwide protests, declaring that “military officers owe loyalty to the nation, not to any individual.”

Civil Society Decries Militarisation of Land Dispute

The Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) also condemned the alleged deployment of soldiers by the retired Naval Chief, describing it as “unconstitutional and an assault on democracy.”

In a statement signed by Olu Omotayo and obtained by PulseNets, the group said:

“Deploying troops for a land dispute is illegal under Section 217 of the Constitution. The military can only act under presidential directive.”

The organisation warned that such misuse of the military for private purposes undermines public trust and strengthens impunity.

Buratai Blasts Wike: “A Threat to National Security”

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, also condemned Wike’s action, describing it as a “direct threat to national security and institutional discipline.”

“Publicly berating a uniformed officer weakens morale, disrespects the Commander-in-Chief, and threatens the integrity of the Armed Forces,” Buratai said in a statement.

He urged Wike to apologise to President Bola Tinubu and the affected officer, warning that “the integrity of our Armed Forces must be preserved above politics.”

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The Abuja land enforcement saga has morphed into a national controversy, with Nigerians sharply divided over whether Wike’s boldness reflects courage or carelessness. As investigations continue, the incident has reignited debate over the limits of ministerial power, military involvement in civil matters, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s capital city.