Wike’s aide counters the allegation, insisting the real threat lies elsewhere.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), has raised alarm over the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer during a land enforcement operation in Abuja. Buratai described the altercation as a dangerous incident capable of undermining Nigeria’s command structure and national security.
In a statement released on his verified Facebook page, Buratai said the minister’s public outburst toward a uniformed officer “goes beyond misconduct,” warning that such behaviour weakens the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and damages the morale of serving officers.
According to him, “A minister’s verbal assault on a military officer in uniform is a profound act of indiscipline that attacks the very foundation of our national security. This is not political theatre; it is reckless endangerment of national order.”
The retired Army chief urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the incident as a serious national security concern. He also called for an immediate public apology from Wike to the President, the Armed Forces, and the officer involved in the confrontation.
Reacting to the criticism on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, dismissed Buratai’s remarks as misguided. He argued that the real threat to national security is the misuse of military personnel as private guards instead of deploying them where they are needed most.
Olayinka asked, “Which truly threatens Nigeria: a minister speaking firmly to an officer, or naval personnel who should be fighting terrorists being converted into private security guards for uncompleted buildings?”
The heated exchange occurred in the Gaduwa District of Abuja when soldiers prevented Wike and FCTA officials from accessing a property allegedly under illegal development. The minister questioned their authority and insisted that due process had not been followed, accusing the officers of obstructing lawful enforcement.
“You have no document,” Wike told the soldiers, insisting that no one was above the law or entitled to use armed security to intimidate government officials.
The soldiers, however, maintained that they were acting strictly on orders.
The clash has further intensified ongoing debates surrounding land disputes, enforcement activities, and the relationship between civilian authorities and the military.
As discussions continue, many Nigerians are calling for clearer boundaries, better communication, and respect for due process to prevent similar confrontations in the future.