Buratai Condemns Wike’s Conduct Towards Soldier, Calls It a Threat to National Security.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Newspaper on 11th November 2025
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), has expressed deep concern over the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Nigerian Army officer, describing Wike’s conduct as a serious threat to national security.
Speaking on the incident, General Buratai stated that the attitude displayed by the FCT Minister towards the military personnel was disrespectful and unbecoming of a public official, warning that such actions could undermine the morale and authority of the Armed Forces.
- Advertisement -
> “What the Minister did is not a political issue—it is a matter of national security,” Buratai emphasized.
“The verbal assault and humiliation of a uniformed soldier by the Minister amount to a betrayal of the nation’s security apparatus. It undermines the dignity and integrity of the military, which directly affects the stability of our country,” he added.
Buratai further explained that every military officer, while in uniform, represents the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the sovereignty of Nigeria. Therefore, any act of disrespect towards such an officer is an affront to both the President and the nation itself.
The retired Army Chief advised Minister Wike to publicly apologize to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief, as well as to the young soldier involved in the incident and the Nigerian Army as an institution.
“It is imperative that Minister Wike tender an unreserved apology to the President, the soldier, and the Nigerian Army. Our military deserves respect, not ridicule,” Buratai concluded.
The incident, which has generated widespread public debate, continues to draw reactions from security experts and citizens alike, many of whom stress the need for greater civility and mutual respect between civilian authorities and the nation’s security agencies.
