Lt. A.M. Yarima, a young officer of the Nigerian Navy who recently clashed with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, reportedly avoided an attempt on his life on Sunday evening.
According to military insiders, unidentified men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux trucks allegedly pursued Yarima. The vehicles, which had no licence plates, were said to have followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station along the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.
Realizing he was being trailed, the officer reportedly carried out a “tactical maneuver” that enabled him to shake off the suspected attackers. The incident was said to have occurred at around 6:30 p.m.
The source noted that an investigation is underway and is being handled with “appropriate seriousness,” adding that further information is being withheld so as not to interfere with the probe.
This incident comes shortly after Yarima was involved in a heated encounter with FCT Minister Wike over a contentious land site in Gaduwa District. The exchange, which took place while he was on duty with other security operatives, was captured on video and widely circulated, fueling public debate. The Presidency later intervened, suspending the demolition activity at the location.
Following the clash, retired military personnel across the country condemned Wike for verbally attacking the officer, rejecting any suggestion that Yarima should face disciplinary action.
Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, spokesperson for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, warned that former service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if any sanctions were imposed on the officer.
He stressed that military officers pledge allegiance to the nation—not to individual government officials—and insisted that Wike owed the officer an apology.
“How can a public official openly call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” he asked, arguing that such behavior weakens national institutions and disrespects the dignity of public office.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Mohammad Badaru Abubakar has assured that no uniformed personnel performing their lawful duties would be punished as a result of the altercation.
“We will always protect any officer or armed forces personnel carrying out lawful duties,” Badaru stated during a media briefing ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College.
“Any officer acting within the law and fulfilling their duties properly will be defended.”
Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilize and storm the FCT Ministry if any punitive action was taken against Lt. Yarima.
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