A Navy officer linked to a recent clash with Minister Wike has reportedly escaped danger.
Military sources say he evaded men in unmarked vans now under serious investigation.
A Nigerian Navy officer, Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, who recently became the centre of national attention after his confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reportedly escaped an assass!nation attempt in Abuja. Military insiders confirmed that the incident took place on Sunday evening and is now under active investigation.
According to the sources, Yerima was on his way from the NIPCO Filling Station near the Kubwa Expressway when he noticed two unmarked Hilux vans trailing him. The men inside the vehicles were said to be dressed in black and had no number plates. The vans allegedly followed him up to Gado Nasco Way. Sensing danger, the officer carried out what the source described as a tactical move that allowed him to shake off the suspected attackers. The attempt was reported to have taken place at about 6:30 p.m.
Military authorities are treating the report with caution, and investigators are said to be handling the matter with full attention. Officials declined to share further details, stating that doing so might affect ongoing investigations.
The development comes only days after Lt. Yerima was captured in a viral video during a tense exchange with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The encounter happened at a disputed land site in the Gaduwa District, where Yerima was on duty alongside other security personnel.
The incident triggered reactions from military veterans who strongly criticized the minister’s conduct. Many of them defended the young officer and opposed any plan to discipline him. Speaking on behalf of the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye Herberts said they would not tolerate any form of punishment against Yerima. He questioned why a public official would address a serving officer in an insulting manner and insisted that such behavior weakens public institutions.
He said veterans were ready to occupy the minister’s office and residence if Yerima was penalized. He stressed that members of the armed forces swear loyalty to the country and not to individuals in government.
In response to the growing tension, Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar assured the public that no officer carrying out legitimate duties would be punished. He stated that the ministry would always stand behind personnel performing their duties in line with the law.
Veterans had earlier warned that they would mobilize nationwide if any disciplinary action was taken against the officer. The latest development has now added another layer to the controversy surrounding the encounter between Lt. Yerima and the FCT minister.
