ABUJA (BN24)— Nigerian Navy officer Lt. A.M. Yerima, who recently clashed publicly with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, reportedly escaped an assassination attempt Sunday evening in Abuja, according to military sources familiar with the incident.
Sources told Vanguard that Yerima was driving near the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway when he noticed two unmarked Hilux vans trailing him. The vehicles, described as white, without license plates, and occupied by unidentified men dressed in black, allegedly followed him through the route leading to Gado Nasco Way.
The officer was said to have detected the pursuit early and carried out what a source described as a “strategic maneuver,” allowing him to evade the suspected assailants without confrontation. The incident was reported to have taken place around 6:30 p.m.
Military authorities have launched an investigation, with one source stressing that the case is receiving “the seriousness it deserves.” Officials said additional information is being withheld to avoid jeopardizing ongoing inquiries.
The development comes days after Lt. Yerima was involved in a heated altercation with FCT Minister Wike at a disputed land site in the Gaduwa District. The confrontation, captured in a viral video, drew widespread backlash and triggered intervention from the Presidency, which paused the demolition exercise that led to the dispute.
Following the clash, military veterans across the country condemned Wike’s remarks toward the officer. Many criticized the minister for publicly insulting Yarima and resisted calls for disciplinary action against the naval officer.
Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, said former service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” should any punishment be issued against Yerima. He emphasized that military officers swear allegiance to the nation rather than to individual political figures and argued that the minister should apologize.
He questioned the propriety of Wike’s conduct, asking how a public officeholder could call a commissioned officer “a fool” on camera, saying such behavior undermines national institutions and diminishes the integrity of high office.
Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar later assured the public that no service member acting within the scope of lawful duty would face sanctions over the altercation. Speaking at a ministerial briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the National Defence College, he reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting personnel performing authorized duties.
“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” Badaru said. “Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and doing it well.” Veterans had previously signaled readiness to mobilize nationwide and occupy the FCT Ministry if Lt. Yerima was subjected to disciplinary measures.
