A young Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yarima, who recently made headlines after a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reportedly survived an assassination attempt in Abuja.
According to military sources quoted by Vanguard, the incident occurred on Sunday evening when the officer was allegedly trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates.
How the suspected attempt unfolded
The suspicious vehicles were said to have followed Yarima from NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway all the way to Gado Nasco Way. Noticing that he was being monitored, Yarima reportedly executed a “strategic maneuver” that enabled him to evade the suspected attackers.
The incident reportedly happened around 6:30 p.m.
Officials familiar with the matter say the situation is now under investigation and is being treated with “the seriousness it deserves,” with certain details being withheld to avoid compromising the process.
Incident follows viral confrontation with Wike
The reported assassination attempt comes just days after Lt. Yarima was involved in a widely publicised clash with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during a land dispute operation in Gaduwa District.
The encounter, which was caught on camera, showed the officer standing his ground as tensions escalated between the minister and security personnel on site. The clash sparked nationwide debate and led the Presidency to suspend the demolition exercise pending further review.
Veterans nationwide defend Yarima
Military veterans across the country strongly criticised Wike for verbally attacking the officer during the confrontation.
The Coalition of Retired Veterans, through spokesman Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, condemned the minister’s comments and warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if any disciplinary action was taken against Yarima.
Durowaiye-Herberts insisted that military officers owe allegiance to Nigeria—not to individual public office holders—and demanded a public apology from Wike.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” he asked, stressing that such behaviour disrespects national institutions and demeans the dignity of public service.
Defence Minister responds
Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, also reacted to the controversy, assuring Nigerians that no officer acting within the law would be punished.
Speaking during a ministerial briefing ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, he stated:
“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty. Any officer performing his duties legally and professionally will be protected.”
Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilise nationwide if Lt. Yarima faced any disciplinary measures.
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