Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru has defended Lieutenant Yerima, the naval officer involved in a confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed plot of land in Abuja reportedly owned by former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.
Speaking at a ministerial briefing on the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration at the National Defence College in Abuja on Wednesday, Badaru reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding armed forces personnel carrying out their lawful duties.
“At the Ministry and across the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers performing their duties lawfully. Lieutenant Yerima has acted commendably, and we will ensure his safety. We are thoroughly reviewing this matter, and I assure you that any officer performing legitimate duties will receive full protection,” he said.
The statement comes amid public reaction to a viral video showing Wike in a heated exchange with the naval officer at a construction site in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
In the footage, Wike accused Yerima of illegally blocking his access to the land, insisting that no one is above the law. The officer, on his part, maintained he was acting on orders from his superiors, sparking widespread debate online.
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