Lieutenant A.M. Yarima of the Nigerian Navy narrowly escaped what authorities are investigating as a possible assassination attempt on Sunday evening, following his recent public dispute with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
Military sources report that Yarima was pursued by unidentified individuals in two unmarked Toyota Hilux vehicles without license plates around 6:30 p.m. The suspects, dressed entirely in black, allegedly followed the officer from a NIPCO fuel station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.
The officer detected the surveillance and managed to evade his pursuers through what sources described as a “strategic maneuver.” Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with officials stating the matter is being treated with appropriate seriousness while withholding certain details to protect the investigative process.
The incident occurs just days after Lieutenant Yarima was involved in a heated confrontation with Minister Wike at a disputed construction site in Gaduwa District. The officer, on duty with other security personnel, clashed with the minister over a demolition exercise. Video footage of the altercation circulated widely on social media, prompting intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently suspended the demolition.
During the confrontation, Wike allegedly called Yarima “a fool” on camera, sparking outrage among military veterans nationwide who defended the officer’s conduct.
The Coalition of Retired Veterans, through spokesman Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, has issued stern warnings against any punitive action toward Lieutenant Yarima. The group threatened to “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” should the officer face disciplinary measures.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” Durowaiye-Herberts questioned, arguing that such behaviour undermines national institutions and public office dignity. He emphasised that military personnel serve Nigeria, not individual officials, and demanded an apology from the minister.
Defence Minister Mohammad Badaru Abubakar has assured that no military personnel performing lawful duties will face sanctions over the incident. Speaking at a briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the National Defence College, 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.”
The controversy has ignited broader debates about civil-military relations and the treatment of security personnel by civilian authorities in Nigeria.
