A young Nigerian Navy officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, who recently made headlines following a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reportedly survived a suspected assassination attempt in Abuja.
According to military sources, the incident occurred on Sunday evening when Lt. Yerima was allegedly trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans. The vehicles reportedly followed him from a filling station off the Kubwa Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.
The officer was said to have become aware that he was being monitored and carried out a “strategic maneuver” that enabled him to escape without harm. The suspected pursuit was reported around 6:30 p.m. Investigations are underway, with officials treating the matter as a serious security concern. Further details remain undisclosed to avoid compromising ongoing inquiries.
The development comes on the heels of a heated confrontation between Lt. Yerima and the FCT Minister at a disputed land site in the Gaduwa District. The encounter, which circulated widely on social media, showed the officer and the minister exchanging words as enforcement personnel attempted to stop ongoing construction.
The incident triggered significant public reactions and drew strong criticism from military veterans across the country. Many condemned what they described as disrespectful remarks made toward the officer during the exchange. They also rejected calls for disciplinary action against Lt. Yerima.
A spokesperson for a nationwide coalition of retired military personnel insisted that soldiers swear allegiance to the nation, not individual officeholders, and argued that no officer should be reprimanded for performing legitimate duties. The group demanded an apology for the verbal confrontation.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has assured that no member of the armed forces will be punished for carrying out lawful assignments. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting personnel who act within the scope of their duties.
Veterans had warned that they were prepared to mobilise and occupy the FCT Ministry should any punitive steps be taken against Lt. Yerima.
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