The Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has said that no military personnel engaged in lawful duty will face disciplinary action following the confrontation between soldiers and the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, which occurred in Abuja on Tuesday, November 11, Vanguard reports
Speaking during a ministerial briefing held on Wednesday, November 12, at the National Defence College to launch the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, Abubakar emphasised the ministry’s stance.
“At the Ministry, and across the Armed Forces, we remain committed to safeguarding our officers who are carrying out lawful duties,” he said.
He added, “We are currently reviewing the matter, and I want to assure everyone that any officer performing his duty lawfully will be fully protected. We will not permit any harm to come to him as long as he is fulfilling his responsibilities diligently.”
It should be recalled that FCT Minister Wike and Naval officer Lt. A.M. Yerima were involved in a confrontation over a disputed piece of land, reportedly owned by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.
During the incident, Lt. Yerima prevented Wike and his team from accessing the contested property. Wike argued that the land had been improperly acquired and that construction activities should be halted, while the officer maintained that he was following orders and barred entry.
The situation escalated, with Wike allegedly directing verbal insults at the officer, who remained resolute.
In response, a coalition of retired Nigerian military veterans declared their intention to mobilize and occupy the FCT Ministry if Lt. Yerima, who claimed to be acting under lawful instruction, faced any form of punishment.
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