Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Tension has gripped the Tungamaje community in the Federal Capital Territory following fresh demolitions allegedly carried out by the Nigerian Army, with more than 10 houses reportedly pulled down on Thursday, August 20, 2026, leaving affected residents distressed and uncertain about the future of their homes and properties. The latest demolition is an escalation of a long-running dispute between residents of Tungamaje and personnel of the Nigerian Army over land ownership and access to farmlands in the area. Soldiers who carried out the exercise reportedly warned residents against constructing new buildings or undertaking further development on their properties, while indicating that additional demolitions could take place.
The demolition followed an earlier directive reportedly issued by the Nigerian Army ordering residents of Angwa Dio and Angwa Shibaba, both areas within Tungamaje, to vacate their homes. Residents were initially given until Saturday, August 8, 2026, to leave the affected areas. Following intervention by community stakeholders, the deadline was reportedly extended by five days to Wednesday, August 12. More than 30 houses had been earmarked for demolition across the two communities. The residents were reportedly told the order was “from above” and nothing could be done about it.
Tungamaje is a growing residential and farming satellite town located in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, positioned near the Zuba-Gwagwalada corridor. The dispute between residents and the military has been ongoing for years. In May 2026, residents raised the alarm over what they described as the forceful eviction of people from their ancestral lands by personnel of the Nigerian Army. Residents alleged that some Army personnel had turned the area into their personal property, driving people away from their lands and thereafter taking possession of them. It was further alleged that some personnel went as far as renting out the lands after chasing the original owners away.
Affected homeowners have expressed frustration, saying many families have invested heavily in their properties and are now facing uncertainty over where they would relocate. “Many of those who have been asked to leave the communities are not even sure of where to go. Already, there is panic as the Nigerian Army has vowed to come heavily to ensure the demolition of the houses after the expiration of the grace period given,” a resident told SaharaReporters. Another resident said the Army had threatened to return to the community to continue the demolition.
The controversy has reached the National Assembly, with the House of Representatives Public Petitions Committee summoning military authorities and the Director of Lands at the Federal Capital Territory Administration over the demolitions. The decision followed a hearing by the committee on the demolition exercises in Tungamaje. The committee is expected to meet with the Nigerian Army and other relevant military formations on September 3, 2026, to explain their involvement in the demolitions. The FCTA Director of Lands is also expected to appear before the lawmakers to provide clarification on land ownership and allocation in the affected areas.
Lawmakers reportedly expressed concerns that similar demolitions allegedly involving military institutions were occurring not only in Tungamaje but also in other parts of the FCT, including Iddo. “Lands said to be owned by indigenous persons are being demolished by the military in different locations across the Federal Capital Territory,” a source familiar with the proceedings said. The committee’s intervention has raised hopes among affected residents that the dispute could be subjected to a broader review rather than resolved through further demolitions.
Residents whose properties have been marked for demolition said they were living in fear, with many uncertain about where to relocate. “Many houses have been marked by the Nigerian Army and this has caused confusion. Many residents do not even know what to do. They have nowhere to go and yet their situation does not seem like improving,” another resident said. As the community awaits the September 3 hearing and possible intervention by relevant authorities, the situation remains tense.
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