Buratai: Wike’s Verbal Assault on Soldier Undermines National Security — He Must Apologise

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), has criticised Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for verbally assaulting a military officer during a confrontation over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.

The incident, captured in viral videos on Tuesday, showed Wike engaged in a heated exchange with uniformed military personnel at the site. The altercation has drawn widespread public attention, sparking debate about the boundaries of civilian authority over security institutions.

Buratai, in a strongly worded statement, described Wike’s conduct as “a palpable threat to national security and institutional integrity,” warning that such actions could erode the morale and discipline of the armed forces.

“Assault on Military Integrity” — Buratai Warns of Wider Implications

According to Buratai, the minister’s remarks were more than a moment of anger; they represented a deeper institutional risk. He argued that a public official of Wike’s standing must maintain respect for the hierarchy and discipline that define Nigeria’s security architecture.

“A minister’s verbal assault on a military officer in uniform is an act of profound indiscipline that strikes at the core of our nation’s command and control structure,” Buratai stated. “It deliberately undermines the chain of command, disrespects the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, and wounds the morale of every officer serving under the Nigerian flag.”

The former army chief emphasised that the incident “cannot be dismissed as political theatre,” noting that such confrontations weaken the fabric of the military institution and could embolden acts of insubordination or disregard for authority within the ranks.

Call for Apology and Restoration of Order

Buratai urged Wike to tender an immediate public apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, as well as to the officer involved in the altercation. He said this would demonstrate respect for military authority and reaffirm the government’s commitment to upholding institutional discipline.

“Our nation’s security must come first,” Buratai declared. “It is time for decisive action, not politics of military bashing. The integrity of our Armed Forces demands nothing less.”

Observers note that this is not the first time Wike has been involved in confrontations over land-related matters in the FCT. However, this latest episode has raised broader questions about the limits of ministerial power and the importance of maintaining respect for security institutions, especially in a politically charged environment.