A Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yarima, the same officer involved in a recent confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reportedly escaped an attempted assassination on Sunday evening.
According to military sources quoted by Vanguard, unidentified men dressed in black and travelling in two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates trailed the officer from the NIPCO Filling Station along Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way. Their coordinated movements allegedly aroused suspicion.
Realising he was being followed, Lt. Yarima reportedly carried out a “strategic manoeuvre” that enabled him to evade the suspected attackers at about 6:30 p.m. Sources described the matter as “sensitive,” noting that some details are being withheld so as not to compromise ongoing investigations.
The incident occurred just days after Yarima’s widely publicised exchange with Wike at a contentious land site in Gaduwa, a confrontation that triggered nationwide debate and led the Presidency to suspend the demolition exercise at the location.
Following the clash, several military veterans condemned Wike’s verbal outburst, describing it as disrespectful and unacceptable. The Coalition of Concerned Veterans, through its spokesman Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that former service members were prepared to “occupy” the minister’s office and residence should any disciplinary action be taken against Yarima. They emphasised that military personnel owe allegiance to the nation and not to individual government officials.
Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, later assured the public that no law-abiding officer would be punished, stressing the government’s commitment to protecting personnel who perform their duties professionally.
Veterans across the country had earlier vowed to mobilise in solidarity if Lt. Yarima faced sanctions, a move that observers say, reflects the significant support the young officer currently enjoys.