Wike-Soldiers Clash: No Officer on Lawful Duty Will Be Punished — Defence Minister

Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has assured that no military officer or soldier carrying out lawful duties will face punishment following the recent altercation involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and soldiers in Abuja.

Speaking during the ministerial briefing to flag off activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the National Defence College, Abuja, Badaru reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting personnel acting within the law.

“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” he stated. “Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and if he does it well.”

His statement comes after a confrontation between Wike and a military officer who had led troops to secure a disputed plot of land in Abuja. Following the incident, a coalition of retired military veterans had threatened to occupy the FCT ministry if the officer—who they said acted under lawful orders—faced any disciplinary action.

Addressing broader security matters, the minister highlighted the achievements of the Armed Forces under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“Within this administration, our troops have neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000, and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages,” he said. “Over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families have surrendered.”

He added that coordinated operations have dismantled major terrorist enclaves, neutralised notorious bandit leaders, and restored peace to hundreds of communities, enabling many displaced persons to return home.

Badaru also revealed that more than 1,900 illegal refining sites have been destroyed in the South-South, as part of efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s economic assets.

“The President has directed that we sustain and intensify these operations until all remaining threats are eliminated,” he said. “However, the task is not for government alone. We are strengthening a whole-of-society approach involving civil society, traditional rulers, academia, and the private sector.”

The minister further noted that the signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act in 2023 marked a milestone in local defence production, positioning Nigeria as an emerging hub for defence technology.

He added that the acquisition of advanced platforms such as Armoured Fighting Vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and naval vessels has significantly boosted operational readiness and reduced dependence on foreign imports.

Meanwhile, the clash continues to attract reactions. Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, alleged that former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd), was deceived into purchasing land originally designated for park and recreational use in Abuja.

In a post on X, Olayinka claimed that the retired naval officer was “duped” by individuals who illegally sold the land.

“Vice Admiral Gambo was scammed. He needs to go after those who sold him land meant for park and recreation, not FCTA officials enforcing lawful regulations,” Olayinka wrote.

He said the land was initially allocated to Santos Estate Limited in 2007 for park and recreation, and though the company applied in 2022 to convert it to residential use, the request was denied by the then FCT minister. Despite this, the firm allegedly partitioned and sold the land to unsuspecting buyers, including the former naval chief.

Olayinka also dismissed comments made by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), describing them as “expected” given Buratai’s role as Director-General of Rotimi Amaechi’s campaign.

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