Military Veterans Slam Nyesom Wike, Demand Apology Over Clash With Naval Officer!

Military Veterans Slam Nyesom Wike, Demand Apology Over Clash With Naval Officer!

Reported By Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has condemned Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike following a high‑profile clash between the minister and naval officers during an enforcement visit to a disputed plot in Abuja. The veterans are calling for a formal apology and a review of respect for military protocol.

The confrontation occurred on November 11, 2025, when officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) attempted to access Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, in Abuja’s FCT. The land in question is linked to retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo. Armed naval personnel blocked Wike’s team from entering, leading to a heated verbal exchange. [1]

“You cannot use soldiers to intimidate government officials doing their job,” Wike told the naval officers during the standoff. [2]

Veterans React
Reacting quickly, the military veterans’ group criticised Wike’s language and handling of the incident, describing it as disrespectful to service members and undermining of hierarchical military discipline. They demanded that Wike apologise publicly and that a full investigation be launched into the incident.

Key Details:

• Wike said the land was being developed without valid documentation or building approvals, prompting the enforcement action. [3]
• The naval officers maintained they were acting under “orders from above,” which Wike dismissed as unlawful intimidation. [4]
• Neither the Ministry of Defence nor the Nigerian Navy have issued an official statement on the dispute as of press time.

Why It Matters:

• The incident highlights friction between civilian government officials and the military in Nigeria, raising questions about chain of command, respect, and civilian oversight.
• Military veterans’ involvement signals broader concern over how state enforcement actions interact with uniformed personnel.
• The event could have reputational implications for the FCTA and may influence how future land‑enforcement actions involving security forces are conducted.

Citations:

1. Vanguard News – “Soldiers assault Wike as minister accuses ex‑Naval Chief of land grabbing” (Nov. 11, 2025) [1]
2. TVC News – “Wike, Naval Officer in Heated Exchange Over Disputed Land in Abuja” (Nov. 11, 2025) [5]
3. ThisDayLive – “Video: Wike in Altercation With Military Officer Over Abuja Land” (Nov. 11, 2025) [6]

Citations:

1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/soldiers-assault-wike-as-minister-accuses-ex-naval-chief-of-land-grabbing/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. The Eagle Online: theeagleonline.com.ng/wike-soldiers-clash-over-abuja-land-video/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/wike-condemns-military-takeover-of-abuja-land-orders-halt-to-illegal-devt?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. PRNigeria News: prnigeria.com/2025/11/11/wike-naval-officer-exchange/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. Trending News: www.tvcnews.tv/wike-military-officer-in-heated-exchange-over-alleged-land-grabbing-in-abuja/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. ThisDayLive: www.thisdaylive.com/2025/11/11/video-wike-in-altercation-with-military-officer-over-abuja-land/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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