Reported by: L . Imafidon | Edited by: Henry Owen
There was drama in Gaduwa Village, Abuja, on Tuesday when soldiers stopped the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and officials of the FCT Administration from gaining access to a parcel of land allegedly owned by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.).
The property, located on Plot 1946, became a scene of confrontation after Minister Wike questioned the legality of the land’s development, insisting that the military and the ex-naval chief had no valid approval or documentation from the FCT Administration.
While the incident might appear as just another land dispute, it raises deeper questions about power, misuse of authority, and the role of the military in civil affairs.
Land and property matters are private civil issues, and in a democracy governed by law, such disputes should be settled in court, not through the show of force by men in uniform. Yet, the sight of soldiers — men trained and paid by taxpayers to protect the nation — being used to guard a private property is both embarrassing and troubling.
At a time when Nigeria is battling rampant insecurity, banditry, and killings across several states, one must ask: Is this the best use of our military personnel? How can soldiers be deployed to defend an individual’s land while innocent citizens remain unprotected in communities under siege?
This incident is more than just a property dispute — it is a reflection of how the Nigerian military has allowed itself to be dragged into personal and political matters, eroding public confidence in its professionalism and neutrality. The act is a mockery of the institution’s dignity and a betrayal of its constitutional duty to protect the country and its people.
However, this situation also leaves room for questions about Minister Wike’s approach. While it is within his right as FCT Minister to ensure compliance with land laws, his physical visit to the site — knowing it was already linked to a former military chief — could have been better handled through administrative and legal channels to avoid confrontation.
In the end, both sides reflect what has become a disturbing culture of impunity and arrogance in Nigeria’s public life — where the rule of law is often replaced by force, and accountability gives way to ego.
The military must remember that its honor lies in service to the nation, not in guarding private estates. As Nigerians struggle with fear, poverty, and insecurity, the sight of soldiers shielding the property of the privileged sends the wrong message about who truly deserves protection.
It is time for the Nigerian Armed Forces to restore their dignity, refocus on national security, and stop lending their uniforms to private interests.
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