Army Warns Edo Communities Over Alleged Encroachment On Military Land
The Nigerian Army has issued a strong warning to residents and traditional leaders of Oghede and Iyanomo Communities in Edo State over continued encroachment on military land surrounding the Ekehuan Barracks in Benin City.
According to Daily Post on 21 June 2025, this was made known in a statement released by Captain Chinonso Oteh, the Public Relations Officer of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army.
Captain Oteh revealed that the Army is now considering decisive action, which may include removing unauthorised structures illegally erected on Army land. He noted that despite previous efforts to reach an amicable resolution, community leaders have failed to comply with previously agreed terms.
The Nigerian Army emphasized that the continued encroachment violates the terms of an earlier out-of-court settlement. The settlement followed a dismissed legal case filed by the communities, which was thrown out due to lack of legal standing.
“The Nigerian Army, in the spirit of goodwill and civil-military cooperation, agreed to an out-of-court settlement after the communities’ claims were found to lack legal merit,” said Captain Oteh.
He expressed disappointment that, instead of respecting the agreement, some community leaders have allegedly continued selling portions of Army Property to Hoteliers, Estate Developers, and Private Individuals.
The Army added that many of these developments are located in areas classified as Operational Zones, including spaces designated for Live-Fire Drills, creating serious public safety concerns.
Captain Oteh further warned that continued illegal activities may result in a complete takeover attempt of the Ekehuan Barracks land, allegedly being orchestrated with the support of the local traditional ruler, the Enogie.
He also alleged that some individuals had gone as far as forging official documents to falsely claim that the Nigerian Army had relinquished ownership of the land.
“To be clear, the land in question was lawfully acquired and demarcated in 1966, and a Certificate of Occupancy (No. 11751) was issued to the Nigerian Army on April 26, 1994, in accordance with Edo State Land Laws,” Oteh clarified.
He reaffirmed the commitment of 4 Brigade to maintaining peace and upholding the rule of law in Edo State, while warning that the Nigerian Army would not tolerate any actions that threaten its authority or operational safety.