Naval officer who confronted Wike escapes assassination attempt in Abuja

A young Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, narrowly escaped an apparent assassination attempt in Abuja on Sunday evening, military sources have confirmed.

According to sources, Yerima was being trailed by unidentified men dressed in black, driving two unmarked Hilux vehicles without number plates.

The suspects reportedly followed him from NIPCO Filling Station along the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.

Lt. Yerima, noticing the surveillance, reportedly executed a “strategic maneuver” that allowed him to evade the assailants.

The incident allegedly occurred at about 6:30 p.m., and authorities say the matter is under active investigation. Further details are being withheld to avoid compromising ongoing inquiries.

The development comes days after Yerima, while on duty with fellow security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District.

Video footage of the altercation sparked national debate, prompting the Presidency to halt the demolition exercise at the site.

In the aftermath, military veterans criticized Wike for verbally insulting the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima.

Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if Yarima were punished.

Durowaiye-Herberts emphasized that military personnel owe their allegiance to Nigeria, not individual officials, and insisted Wike should apologize for his remarks.

“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” he asked, stressing that such conduct undermines national institutions.

Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar also weighed in, assuring that no military personnel acting lawfully would face sanctions over the confrontation.

Speaking during the ministerial briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College, Badaru said: “We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty.

“Any officer performing their duty lawfully will be protected.”

Veterans had earlier threatened to mobilize and occupy the FCT Ministry if Yarima were subjected to any disciplinary measures.