By Toyin Adebayo, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered an immediate stop to unauthorized development on a disputed Abuja property, accusing a former Chief of Naval Staff of deploying military personnel to intimidate government officials and seize the land.
Wike made the declaration during an on-site inspection Monday, following reports that armed soldiers had expelled FCT Administration (FCTA) enforcement teams attempting to enforce development control regulations.
“No individual, regardless of past rank or influence, will be permitted to undermine lawful authority or flout urban planning statutes,” Wike stated. “The Departments of Land and Development Control are mandated to curb illegal construction and land grabbing. Any encroachment lacking valid documentation—regional planning approval or lawful title—will not be tolerated.”
FCTA officials had initially visited the site to implement the minister’s directive but were forcibly removed by soldiers allegedly acting on the retired officer’s instructions. Wike, upon receiving a second alert of military occupation, personally intervened to assess the situation.
“It is regrettable that a former senior military officer would resort to coercion rather than due process,” he said. “When challenged to produce title deeds or building permits, none were presented. This sets a dangerous precedent: if the powerful can bypass the law, what recourse remains for ordinary citizens?”
The minister confirmed he had engaged the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom pledged to address the matter. “We seek no confrontation, only compliance with the rule of law,” Wike emphasized. “Enforcement will proceed uniformly, irrespective of the perpetrator’s status.”
Reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on land infractions, Wike warned that the FCTA would reclaim all illegally occupied government property, regardless of the influence behind the encroachment.
