A dramatic confrontation unfolded on Monday, November 11, 2025, between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a group of Nigerian soldiers stationed at a construction site in the Gaduwa district of Abuja.
The incident, now trending across social media, has sparked nationwide debate about power, authority, and respect between civilian and military institutions in Nigeria.
How It Started
According to reports, Minister Wike was on an inspection tour of several ongoing projects and land developments in Abuja when his team arrived at Plot 1946, Buffer Transit, Southern Parkway, Gaduwa.
The site, allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd), was flagged by the Department of Development Control for illegal construction due to lack of proper building approvals and title documents.
However, Wike’s attempt to enforce the stop-work order was met with resistance from armed soldiers guarding the premises. The soldiers reportedly insisted they were acting “on orders,” preventing the minister’s team from carrying out their duties.
The Heated Exchange
In a video that quickly went viral, Wike was seen confronting one of the officers, visibly angry over the obstruction.
“You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school!” Wike said in the clip, criticizing what he described as military interference in civil administration.
The outburst has since divided public opinion with some applauding Wike’s firmness against impunity, while others condemned his language as disrespectful to the armed forces.
Wike’s Position
Speaking after the confrontation, Wike vowed that his administration would not tolerate illegal land development in Abuja, regardless of the status or influence of those involved.
“I will not allow anyone, no matter how highly placed, to violate the laws of Abuja simply because he was a former Chief of Naval Staff.” Wike said during a briefing later that day.
He further stated that the FCT would intensify its demolition and enforcement operations to restore order to the capital city.
Military Response and Reactions
The Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement detailing the orders that led to the soldiers’ presence at the site, but reports indicate that the Chief of Defense Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff have been contacted to resolve the matter.
Meanwhile, reactions have poured in from different quarters:
- Civil rights advocates described the soldiers’ obstruction as “an abuse of authority” and called for disciplinary action.
- Military veterans and analysts, however, criticized Wike’s tone, warning that public humiliation of soldiers could damage civil-military relations.
- Social commentators argue that the clash exposes the fragile balance of power between Nigeria’s civil institutions and its armed forces
Underlying Issues
Beyond the viral video, the altercation highlights deeper governance problems:
- Land and Development Control -Abuja’s rising cases of illegal construction and land grabbing have remained a recurring challenge.
- Civil-Military Relations – The incident revives debate about the role of military personnel in non-combat, civilian matters.
- Power and Accountability – Many Nigerians see the confrontation as symbolic of the larger struggle between rule-based governance and personal influence in the country.
Next Steps
According to Vanguard, the FCT Administration has opened discussions with defence authorities to prevent future occurrences of such confrontations.
There are also calls for a joint investigation to determine whether the soldiers acted independently or under superior orders.
Wike has maintained his stance, insisting that “Abuja is not for the powerful, but for the law-abiding.”
Conclusion
The clash between Nyesom Wike and the soldiers at the Gaduwa construction site was more than a personal altercation it was a vivid reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with authority, respect, and institutional boundaries.
Whether seen as a bold stand against impunity or an unnecessary escalation, the incident underscores one truth: power without accountability remains Nigeria’s greatest challenge.
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