A young officer in the Nigerian Navy, Lt. A.M. Yarima, reportedly survived an assassination attempt on Sunday evening in Abuja, following a recent confrontation with the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
According to military sources, Yarima was followed by unidentified men in black clothing who were traveling in two unmarked Hilux vehicles without number plates.
The assailants reportedly trailed him from the NIPCO Filling Station along the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.
The officer, sensing the pursuit, executed what the source described as a “strategic maneuver,” successfully avoiding the attackers.
The incident reportedly took place around 6:30 p.m. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities withholding further details to avoid compromising the process.
The attack comes shortly after Yarima, while on duty with other security personnel, was involved in a tense confrontation with Minister Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District.
A video of the clash went viral, generating widespread debate and prompting the Presidency to halt the demolition exercise at the site.
Military veterans across the country have criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer and rejected calls for Yarima to face disciplinary action.
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 Yarima were punished.
Durowaiye-Herberts stressed that military personnel serve the nation, not individual officials, and demanded that Wike apologize for his remarks.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” he questioned, arguing that such conduct undermines both the military and public office.
Meanwhile, Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar reassured that military personnel acting lawfully would be protected.
Speaking at a briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College, he said, “Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and doing it well.”
Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilize and occupy the FCT Ministry should Yarima face any disciplinary action.
