Nigerian Defence Minister, Bello Matawalle, has strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for confronting a naval officer at a disputed land site in Abuja. According to Matawalle, Wike acted against the advice of the country’s top military leaders, who had urged him to wait for a proper investigation before taking any direct action.
The Defence Minister’s comments come days after a viral video showed Wike in a heated altercation with Lieutenant Commander Yerima at a property in the Gaduwa District of Abuja, allegedly belonging to the Nigerian Navy. The confrontation, which was captured on camera, sparked widespread debate on social media, with many questioning Wike’s approach and respect for the military hierarchy.
Wike Disregarded Military Counsel, Confronted Officer Directly
In an interview with DCL Hausa, Matawalle expressed disappointment over the incident, describing it as “unnecessary and avoidable.” He revealed that Wike had reached out to both the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) prior to the incident. Both officials reportedly advised the FCT Minister to allow the matter to be handled through proper military channels to avoid any public misunderstanding.
“The Minister (Wike) was told clearly to wait for the investigation and allow the Navy to clarify the situation,” Matawalle stated. “But despite the advice, he went ahead to confront the officer directly at the site.”
According to the Defence Minister, the naval officer on duty was only following lawful orders and maintained professionalism throughout the tense exchange. Matawalle noted that the officer’s calm demeanor was commendable and that he demonstrated the discipline expected from members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Officer Acted Lawfully and With Respect, Says Matawalle
Matawalle further praised Lieutenant Commander Yerima for his composure, insisting that he committed no offence during the incident. He clarified that the officer acted within the scope of his duties and that his actions were both lawful and procedurally sound.
“He (the officer) acted according to instructions and maintained respect. The officer did not violate any military rules—he followed orders and behaved in a disciplined manner. What he did deserves commendation, not condemnation,” Matawalle explained.
He also pointed out that Wike, as a senior government official, should have handled the matter through official communication rather than personal confrontation. “As a fellow minister, he could have reached out to us to resolve this quietly,” he said. “There was no need for such a public outburst.”
Respect for Armed Forces is Respect for the President
The Defence Minister stressed that disrespecting a uniformed officer on duty indirectly shows disrespect to the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He warned that government officials must always uphold the dignity of uniformed personnel to preserve institutional integrity.
“Anyone who disrespects a soldier or naval officer is, in essence, disrespecting the Commander-in-Chief,” Matawalle emphasized. “There was absolutely no offence committed by the officer. He remained professional and loyal to the chain of command.”
He clarified, however, that his statement should not be mistaken for an endorsement of indiscipline within the military, but rather as a call for mutual respect and adherence to official procedures among government authorities.
Defence Minister Reveals Wike Ignored Service Chiefs’ Warnings
Matawalle disclosed that despite the Chiefs of Defence and Naval Staff assuring Wike that an investigation was being arranged, the FCT Minister chose to go to the disputed site in person. This decision, according to the Defence Minister, showed a lack of patience and disregard for due process.
“Wike called the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, and both told him to exercise patience,” he said. “Yet, he did not wait. He decided to go there himself to confront the officer. That was not the right approach.”
Matawalle further revealed that the Navy had already planned a one-day investigation into the ownership of the land before Wike’s public appearance escalated the situation.
Investigation Commences Into Land Dispute
The Defence Minister confirmed that the Chief of Naval Staff has now personally visited the site in question to begin a formal investigation into the ownership and documentation of the property. He noted that the Navy and the FCT Administration are expected to produce legal documents to establish rightful ownership of the land.
“Since it involves a land dispute, there are procedures that must be followed. If any revocation has been issued, it must go through administrative and diplomatic processes,” Matawalle explained. “No confrontation should have taken place without verification.”
He added that the Nigerian military will handle the case transparently to ensure accountability and prevent future misunderstandings between civilian and military authorities.
Wike Yet to File Formal Complaint
Matawalle revealed that as of now, the Ministry of Defence has not received any official complaint from Nyesom Wike regarding the incident. He confirmed that he personally reached out to Wike after the video went viral, advising him to use proper communication channels rather than direct confrontation with officers.
“We have not received any formal complaint from him,” the Minister said. “But I called him personally and told him that as a leader, he should have contacted me before going to the site. That would have prevented the entire situation.”
The Defence Minister concluded by reaffirming the military’s commitment to professionalism and peaceful resolution of all disputes, urging public officials to respect the chain of command and uphold the dignity of the uniformed services.