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 escaped an assassination attempt.
According to military sources who spoke to Vanguard, the incident occurred on Sunday evening when Yarima was trailed by unknown men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans with no number plates. The vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.
The officer, sensing danger, was said to have carried out a “strategic maneuver” before successfully shaking off the suspected assailants at about 6:30 p.m.
Sources said the matter is now under investigation and is being handled with “the seriousness it deserves,” while withholding additional details to avoid compromising ongoing inquiries.
The alleged assassination attempt comes just days after Lt. Yarima was involved in a tense face-off with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The confrontation — captured on video — went viral and sparked nationwide reactions, prompting the Presidency to suspend the demolition exercise at the centre of the dispute.
The Minister was widely criticised for verbally insulting the naval officer during the altercation. Military veterans across Nigeria condemned the Minister’s conduct and rejected suggestions that Yarima should be disciplined.
Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if any punishment was issued.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” he asked, arguing that such behaviour disrespects national institutions and diminishes the dignity of public office.
Meanwhile, Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar has assured that no military officer acting within the law would be sanctioned over the incident.
“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” he said during a briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
“Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and doing it well.”
Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilise nationwide if Lt. Yarima faced any form of disciplinary action.
