By Ireti Asemota.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has firmly assured that no military personnel will face repercussions over the tense standoff between soldiers and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in Abuja.
Abubakar made the pledge on Wednesday, November 12, during a ministerial briefing at the National Defence College to launch preparations for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
“Well, at the Ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty. So we are looking into this issue, and we assure that any officer on lawful duty will be protected highly, so we will not allow anything to happen to him so far he’s doing his job, and he’s doing his job greatly well,” he stated.
The incident in question unfolded on Tuesday, November 11, involving Wike and Naval Lt. A.M. Yerima over a disputed plot of land reportedly owned by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo. Yerima halted Wike’s convoy from entering the site, citing standing orders, while Wike insisted the acquisition was improper and demanded a halt to ongoing construction.
The confrontation escalated with heated exchanges and insults from Wike toward the defiant officer, who stood his ground.
In response, a coalition of retired Nigerian military veterans warned of mass mobilization to “occupy” the FCT Ministry if any disciplinary action is taken against the officer for following protocol.
Abubakar’s comments signal strong backing for the armed forces, emphasizing accountability while safeguarding those executing duties in good faith.
#NyesomWike #MohammadBadaru #NigerianMilitary #FCAltercation #ArmedForcesDay #DefenceNigeria #NavalOfficer
