A Nigerian Navy officer who recently confronted Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has survived what appears to be an assassination attempt in the nation's capital, Abuja.
Dramatic Escape From Unidentified Assailants
Lieutenant A. M. Yarima demonstrated remarkable tactical awareness when he detected he was being followed by suspicious individuals on Sunday evening, November 16. According to military sources who confirmed the incident on Monday, November 10, the officer was trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans without license plates.
The frightening pursuit began at the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway and continued toward Gado Nasco Way. The officer, recognizing the imminent danger, executed what military insiders described as a "strategic manoeuvre" to evade his potential attackers at approximately 6:30 PM.
"The officer observed he was under surveillance and took immediate tactical action to avoid danger," revealed a senior military source familiar with the investigation. "He succeeded in shaking them off. The matter is under investigation and is receiving the seriousness it deserves."
Political Backdrop: The Wike Confrontation
This assassination scare comes just days after Lieutenant Yarima's heated confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The dramatic encounter, captured on video and widely circulated, showed the minister angrily addressing the officer while security personnel struggled to manage the escalating tensions.
The viral video sparked nationwide debates and ultimately forced the Presidency to suspend the demolition exercise that had triggered the dispute. The incident highlighted growing tensions between political office holders and military personnel performing their lawful duties.
Military Veterans Issue Stern Warning
Following the clash with Minister Wike, military veterans across Nigeria have rallied behind Lieutenant Yarima, criticizing the minister's conduct and warning against any disciplinary action targeting the officer.
Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, issued a strong statement: "If the officer is punished, we will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister. Military personnel swear allegiance to Nigeria, not to individual political office holders."
Durowaiye-Herberts further condemned Wike's behavior, noting: "How can a public office holder call an officer 'a fool' on camera? This behavior undermines our national institutions and demeans the dignity of public office." The veterans coalition has demanded a formal apology from the minister.
Government Assurance and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the growing controversy, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has provided assurance that military personnel acting within the law will be protected from sanctions.
During a ministerial briefing ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Badaru stated: "We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty. Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and doing it well."
Meanwhile, investigations into the assassination attempt continue, with authorities withholding specific operational details to avoid compromising the ongoing probe. The incident has raised serious security concerns about the safety of military personnel involved in disputes with powerful political figures.
