House Of Reps Blocks Navy Eviction In Abuja Communities

According to Ireporter Online, the House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Navy to halt the eviction of several communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) pending the resolution of a petition before the National Assembly.

The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the restraining order was issued on November 13, 2025, by the Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions, Hon. Kwamoti Laori Bitrus. The directive followed a hearing on a petition filed by the PCC’s FCT office against the Navy.

The petition, presented by PCC Federal Commissioner Hon. Musa Dikko, accused naval officers of criminal trespass, intimidation, unlawful seizure of farmlands, demolition of homes, and extortion in Tunga-Giwa, Tunga-Wakili, Tunga-Madaki, Iddo Sarki, and Nuwalege communities. The commissioner noted that these communities existed prior to the creation of the FCT in 1976.

According to the PCC, residents were threatened with eviction and given a deadline of December 2025 to vacate the disputed lands. These actions were described as violations of due process under the Land Use Act and principles of natural justice. Hon. Dikko highlighted that many residents depend on farming and have suffered significant hardship, insecurity, and economic losses as a result of the Navy’s activities.

While acknowledging the government’s statutory powers to acquire land for public purposes, Dikko emphasized that such powers must be exercised responsibly, including providing compensation, resettlement, and engaging affected communities.

Chairman Laori Bitrus praised the PCC’s intervention, describing the petition as a crucial step in protecting citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law. The Committee adjourned the matter multiple times, most recently to March 4, 2026, after the Nigerian Navy failed to attend a hearing on January 27, 2026, instead requesting another adjournment.

Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Hon. Mathew Nwogu, warned that decisive action would be taken if the Navy fails to appear at the next sitting.