Wike–Naval Officer Clash: Ex-Generals Fume as FG Orders Probe

The Federal Government has launched an investigation into the confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, A. Yerima, over an alleged land dispute in Abuja — an incident that has sparked outrage among retired military officers and legal experts.

The altercation, which was captured on video, showed Wike visibly enraged as he clashed with the officer, who was reportedly guarding the land on the instruction of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).

Defence Ministry Begins Probe

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, confirmed on Wednesday that the ministry had commenced a probe into the incident. Speaking at a press briefing to launch the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day activities in Abuja, he praised the naval officer’s composure and assured that personnel performing lawful duties would be protected.

“We are looking into this issue and assure that any officer performing his duties lawfully will be highly protected. We will not allow anything to happen to him so long as he is doing his job,” Badaru stated.

Ex-Generals Condemn Wike’s Conduct

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), criticised Wike’s behaviour, describing it as a “disrespectful affront to the Armed Forces.”

In a Facebook post, Buratai wrote:

“His public disparagement of a uniformed officer transcends mere misconduct; it represents a palpable threat to national security and institutional integrity. Such actions erode the very foundation of discipline upon which our national security apparatus stands.”

Another retired officer, Brig. Gen. Peter Aro, said the incident reflected “a misuse of political power.”

“The clash goes beyond personalities — it’s about how authority should be exercised in a democracy. The officer was acting under lawful orders from his superior. The minister had every right to question the land issue but through proper channels,” he said.

Similarly, Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) called the confrontation “unacceptable,” saying, “A minister attacking a uniformed officer amounts to challenging the authority of the Commander-in-Chief himself.”

Wike’s Aide Defends Minister

However, the FCT minister’s aide, Lere Olayinka, defended his principal, saying the clash stemmed from an alleged land scam that misled the former naval chief.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Olayinka said the disputed Mabushi plot was originally designated for park and recreation in 2007 and was never approved for residential or commercial use.

“That land was allocated for park and recreation. The company later tried to convert it for commercial use in 2022, but the request was denied. Despite that, they partitioned and sold the land — including to the former Chief of Naval Staff,” Olayinka claimed.

He insisted that Gambo had no valid title or approved building plan for the property, describing the military presence on the site as “an attempt to use force to justify an illegality.”

Lawyers Split on Legality

The incident has divided legal experts, with some backing the minister’s authority while others faulted his approach.

Constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Sebastine Hon, argued that Yerima’s actions breached the law, noting that military officers are not permitted to guard private property.

“Even if he acted under superior orders, no service law allows a soldier to mount guard at a private construction site. The FCT minister, by law, exercises the President’s powers over land in Abuja,” he said.

Hon added that Yerima could face disciplinary action for obstructing a public officer.

Another SAN, Simon Lough, acknowledged that Wike acted within his constitutional powers but said his decision to personally confront the officer was “unnecessary.”

“The minister represents the President in the FCT and is empowered to manage land, but he undermined his office by personally visiting the site. He should have directed an official investigation instead,” Lough said.

Human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, however, argued that Wike overstepped his authority.

“No minister can lawfully countermand a soldier’s duty post. The Armed Forces answer to the President through the chain of command, not through any civilian minister,” he said.

Olajengbesi warned that unchecked political excesses could provoke future civilian–military clashes, stressing that “civil administration must never interfere with the command structure of the Armed Forces.”

FG Faces Pressure for Accountability

As public debate continues, both military veterans and legal analysts have urged the Federal Government to handle the case transparently.

While Wike’s supporters insist he acted within his authority to protect Abuja lands from encroachment, critics argue the episode exposes deeper tensions between civilian officials and the military over jurisdiction and respect for institutional hierarchy.