A Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yarima—who was recently involved in a heated confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—has reportedly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja.
According to military sources, the officer was trailed on Sunday evening by unidentified men clad in black and travelling in two unmarked Hilux vans. The vehicles, which bore no number plates, allegedly followed Yarima from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway down to Gado Nasco Way.
Realizing he was being monitored, Yarima is said to have executed a swift, tactical manoeuvre that enabled him to evade the suspected assailants around 6:30 p.m. The incident has since been escalated for investigation, with security sources noting that details are being kept discreet to avoid jeopardizing ongoing inquiries.
This development follows days after a viral confrontation between Yarima and FCT Minister Wike at a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The face-off, captured on video, triggered intense national debate and prompted intervention from the Presidency, which suspended the demolition activity that led to the clash.
The incident also ignited outrage among military veterans across the country, many of whom condemned Wike for verbally attacking the young officer. They dismissed calls for Yarima’s punishment and demanded an apology from the minister.
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts warned that former service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if Yarima was sanctioned. He stressed that the armed forces pledge loyalty to the Nigerian state—not individual political figures.
“How can a public officer call a military officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” he asked, arguing that such behaviour demeans public institutions and undermines respect for official positions.
Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar has since moved to reassure service personnel, stating that no officer acting within lawful orders will be punished over the confrontation.
“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” he said during a briefing ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. “Any officer doing his job lawfully will be protected.”
Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilise nationwide if any disciplinary action was taken against Lt. Yarima.