A young Nigerian Navy officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, has reportedly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, days after he was involved in a widely publicised altercation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to military sources, unknown men in two unmarked black Hilux vans trailed the officer on Sunday evening from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Kubwa Expressway to Gado Nasco Way. Sensing he was being stalked, Yerima reportedly executed a swift evasive manoeuvre, managing to lose the vehicles around 6:30 p.m.
Though details remain under investigation, security sources say the matter is being treated with “the seriousness it deserves.”
The reported attempt on Yerima’s life comes shortly after a tense confrontation between the naval officer and the FCT Minister at a disputed land site in Gaduwa District.
The incident captured on video and widely circulated showed Wike verbally berating the officer, at one point calling him “a fool,” after Yerima and colleagues attempted to enforce a security directive during a demolition operation.
The altercation triggered nationwide reactions. Military veterans, civil society groups, and citizens condemned the minister’s conduct, arguing that no public official has the authority to insult or intimidate personnel performing lawful duties.
The Presidency later suspended the demolition exercise, signalling concern over the escalation of events.
Following the confrontation, the Coalition of Retired Veterans issued a stern warning, vowing to “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if any disciplinary action was taken against Yerima.
Their spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, stressed that Nigerian soldiers owe loyalty to the country not to individual political office holders.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? Actions like this undermine our institutions and demean the dignity of public office,” he said.
Government Response
Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has since assured the public that no officer will be punished for carrying out lawful duties. Speaking during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day briefing, he stated:
“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty. Any officer doing his job lawfully will be protected.”