A Nigerian Navy officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima—who recently made headlines after a heated confrontation with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike—has reportedly survived an attempt on his life.
According to military insiders who spoke with Vanguard, the incident occurred on Sunday evening when Yerima was allegedly trailed by unidentified men dressed in black. The suspected assailants were said to be riding in two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates.
The vehicles reportedly followed the officer from the NIPCO filling station along the Kubwa Expressway and continued behind him to Gado Nasco Way. Sensing danger, Yerima was said to have carried out a tactical maneuver that allowed him to shake off the pursuers.
The encounter took place at approximately 6:30 p.m., the source said, adding that the matter is already under thorough investigation. Further details are being withheld to avoid jeopardising security efforts.
This latest development comes just days after Lt. Yerima was involved in a tense altercation with Minister Wike during a visit to a disputed land site in the Gaduwa District. The confrontation, which was caught on camera, sparked nationwide reactions and eventually led to the Presidency suspending a planned demolition exercise at the location.
Following the incident, several military veteran groups publicly condemned the minister for verbally insulting the officer. They rejected suggestions that Yerima should be disciplined, insisting instead that Wike must apologise for his “demeaning” remarks.
Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, spokesperson for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, criticised the minister’s conduct and warned that retired service members were prepared to “occupy” Wike’s office and residence should any punitive measure be taken against Lt. Yerima.
He emphasised that military personnel owe allegiance to the Nigerian state and not to individual political office holders.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has reassured the public that no military officer performing lawful duties will be sanctioned over the Gaduwa incident.
“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” Badaru said during a briefing ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Veteran groups had earlier threatened mass action if Yerima faced any disciplinary action.
Source: Vanguard News
