Defence Minister Matawalle says Wike ignored military chiefs’ warning and confronted naval officer on site

Nigerian Defence Minister Bello Matawalle said that Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike ignored the advice of the country’s top military chiefs and went ahead to confront a naval officer, Lieutenant Commander Yerima, at a disputed property in Gaduwa, Abuja. In a video that later went viral, Wike is seen arguing heatedly with the officer, accusing him of obstructing his directive regarding the land. Matawalle explained that Wike had first called both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who told him to wait for a military investigation before taking any action.

Despite that counsel, Wike rushed to the site and exchanged words with the officer, an episode the minister described as “unfortunate.” Matawalle emphasized that the naval officer was simply obeying lawful orders, acted with discipline and respect, and committed no military offence. He warned that government officials must show deference to the armed forces, noting that disrespect to a uniformed officer indirectly undermines the President as Commander‑in‑Chief.

The minister clarified that his remarks were not an endorsement of indiscipline but a call to follow proper command procedures. He added that the Chief of Naval Staff has since visited the area to begin a formal investigation into the land‑ownership dispute, and that any revocation of the land should follow established administrative and diplomatic channels rather than confrontation.

Matawalle also noted that the Defence Ministry has not received a formal complaint from Wike, but he personally reached out to the FCT minister after the video circulated, advising that Wike should have consulted him before confronting the officers directly.