A former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), has raised alarm over the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Nigerian Navy officer in Abuja, describing it as a serious threat to national security.
In a statement shared via his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Buratai condemned Wike’s behavior during the confrontation, warning that it “transcends misconduct” and undermines the authority of the Commander-in-Chief as well as the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The reported incident occurred at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, and was allegedly linked to a dispute over land ownership and development rights associated with a former Chief of Naval Staff.
Wike, who arrived at the scene with officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), reportedly sought to stop what he termed an “illegal construction”, leading to a heated exchange with a naval officer overseeing the property.
In a viral video circulating on social media, Wike was seen confronting the officer, saying:
“You are in uniform, and you’re telling me the Navy owns this land? Who gave you approval to build? Even if you’re the Chief of Naval Staff, no one is above the law.”
The officer, whose identity has not been officially disclosed, insisted that the land belonged to a former naval chief and that the military had authorization to protect it.
Reacting to the encounter, Buratai described Wike’s tone and public rebuke of a uniformed officer as “reckless and dangerous”, arguing that it undermines the military’s chain of command and discipline.
He stated:
“A minister’s verbal assault on a military officer in uniform is an act of profound indiscipline that strikes at the foundation of our national security architecture. It is not political drama—it is reckless endangerment of national order.”
Buratai further emphasized that such conduct erodes the respect and morale of service personnel, adding that Wike’s public outburst represents an “affront to the authority of the Federal Government and the Commander-in-Chief.”
Calling for decisive action, the retired general urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to treat the issue as a matter of national security urgency, insisting that Wike should issue a formal apology to the President, the Armed Forces, and the officer involved.
“Barrister Nyesom Wike must tender an immediate and unequivocal public apology to President Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the officer whose honour was assaulted,” Buratai said.
“The integrity of our military institutions must be preserved above all political considerations.”
He concluded by stressing that Nigeria’s national security should never be compromised for politics or personal influence, urging the government to reaffirm respect for military authority and discipline.
