FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Accuses Retired Admiral of Deploying Soldiers to Seize Abuja Land
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has publicly denounced an alleged attempt by a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retired), to illegally take over a plot of land in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.
During an on‑site inspection on Tuesday, Wike said soldiers were mobilised to chase away officials of the FCT Department of Development Control, an action he described as “lawless” and an abuse of military authority.
According to the minister, the FCTA had received a complaint that armed personnel had blocked the entrance to Plot 1946 and prevented enforcement officers from carrying out a stop‑work order.
When Wike arrived, he demanded documentation from the occupants, but none was produced. “We found no regional approval, no valid acquisition papers, nothing,” he said, adding that the land in question is government‑owned and subject to urban‑planning regulations.
Wike further revealed that he has already communicated with the Chief of Defence Staff and the current Chief of Naval Staff, who have pledged to look into the matter.
“I am not here for a confrontation, but I will not allow illegality to thrive,” Wike asserted, warning that the FCT Administration will not hesitate to reclaim any encroached property, regardless of the individual’s former rank.
The controversy has sparked a war of words, with a coalition of military veterans condemning Wike’s remarks and demanding an apology. In a statement, the veterans’ spokesperson argued that the minister should have pursued a private dialogue rather than publicly shaming a retired senior officer.
The group warned that any punitive action against the officer could provoke a strong reaction from veterans.
Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, who retired in June 2023 after a 39‑year naval career, has not issued a public comment on the allegations. His tenure as Chief of Naval Staff was noted for anti‑piracy and counter‑insurgency operations, and he was honoured with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022.
The FCT Administration has intensified its crackdown on land racketeering in recent months, revoking thousands of land titles for non‑payment of ground rent and demolishing structures erected without permits.
The current dispute underscores the tension between civilian authorities and former security officials over land ownership in Nigeria’s capital.
The matter is expected to be resolved through the office of the Chief of Defence Staff, with both the military and the FCT Ministry pledging adherence to the rule of law.
