…says “We won’t allow anything happen to him–Yerima.”
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has publicly commended Lieutenant Yerima, the naval officer involved in a heated confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.
The officer, identified as Lieutenant Yerima, reportedly clashed with Wike during a visit to the property said to belong to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd.). The encounter, captured in viral videos, has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many Nigerians applauding the officer’s composure and courage.
Speaking during a ministerial press briefing on the upcoming 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held Wednesday at the National Defence College, Abuja, the Defence Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to defending all military personnel acting within the law.
“At the Ministry, and indeed within the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” Badaru stated. “He has done well. We won’t allow anything happen to him. We are looking into this issue, and I assure you that any officer performing his duty legitimately will be fully protected.”
The Defence Headquarters also weighed in subtly through its official X (formerly Twitter) account, posting a cryptic yet symbolic message:
“It is an honour to serve in the Nigerian Military. Unshaken. Unbent. Unbroken.”
The statement, widely interpreted as solidarity with Lieutenant Yerima, further ignited online support for the officer amid ongoing debate over the authority and conduct of both parties during the Abuja confrontation.
As the Defence Ministry reviews the matter, public sentiment continues to favor the naval officer, with many calling for professionalism and restraint from public officials in dealing with members of the Armed Forces on duty.
