There was tension in Abuja on Tuesday over the alleged illegal acquisition of land by some military officers, leading to a confrontation between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and a military officer on duty at the Gaduwa District, Abuja.

BusinessDay findings reveal that since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has faced an uphill task reclaiming lands allegedly acquired illegally by powerful individuals in the FCT.

During a visit to the district, the minister reportedly discovered the alleged illegal land occupation, which led to a heated exchange of words with personnel of the Nigerian Army over a disputed parcel of land in the area.

Wike and his entourage were said to have engaged in a tense face-off with armed soldiers who occupied the contentious site, preventing the minister and his team from gaining access to the land.

The disagreement centred on ownership and allocation rights to the property, which both the FCT Administration and the Nigerian Army claim to control.

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The situation escalated when soldiers stationed at the site blocked the minister’s convoy, sparking a heated verbal exchange between Wike and one of the officers.

Visibly frustrated, Wike accused the soldiers of obstructing government officials from performing their duties, while the officer insisted that he was acting on lawful orders.

Following the confrontation, the minister threatened to ensure that the soldiers were evacuated from the land.

Wike accused the military of illegally occupying the area — an allegation the officer on duty vehemently denied.

“I am here based on the orders of my boss,” the officer reportedly replied.

As the exchange of words continued, Wike and his entourage eventually turned back.

“Let me see how you will develop the land,” Wike was heard saying angrily as the ministerial team departed from the site.