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A young Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, who recently made headlines after a heated confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reportedly survived an assassination attempt in Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, has sparked fresh concerns over his safety and the growing tension surrounding the Gaduwa land dispute.
According to military sources who spoke to Vanguard, the officer noticed he was being followed by unknown men dressed in black.
The men were said to be riding in two unmarked Hilux vans with no number plates. The suspicious vehicles allegedly trailed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way. Sensing danger, Lt. Yerima reportedly carried out what was described as a “strategic maneuver,” allowing him to evade the suspected assailants.
Sources say the incident happened around 6:30 p.m., prompting security authorities to begin investigating the matter. Officials familiar with the situation revealed that the case is being handled with the “seriousness it deserves,” but added that further details are being withheld to avoid jeopardizing ongoing investigations.
This latest development comes days after the officer was involved in a viral confrontation with Minister Nyesom Wike during a demolition operation at a disputed site in Gaduwa District. The clash, which sparked widespread reactions online, led the Presidency to suspend the demolition exercise pending a review.
The video of the altercation stirred a national conversation about the treatment of uniformed officers by public officials.
Following the incident, several military veterans condemned Wike for verbally insulting the young officer. The veterans also rejected suggestions that Yerima should face disciplinary action. Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, spokesman of the Coalition of Retired Veterans, insisted that the Navy officer did nothing wrong and should not be punished.
He warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if any form of sanction was imposed on Yerima.
Durowaiye-Herberts further stressed that the military owes allegiance to the Nigerian state and not individual officeholders.
He questioned why a public official would refer to a uniformed officer as “a fool” during an official assignment, saying such behavior undermines the dignity of the Armed Forces and the authority they represent.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has reassured the public that no officer acting lawfully will be targeted for punishment.
Speaking at a ministerial briefing ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations, he stated that the government will always protect security personnel who carry out their duties responsibly. “Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and doing it well,” he said.
Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilise nationwide should any disciplinary measures be taken against Lt. Yerima. With the latest alleged assassination attempt, pressure continues to mount on security agencies to ensure his safety as the investigation progresses.
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