The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that a serving naval officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, insisting that no such incident occurred.
Over the weekend, several blogs and social media posts circulated a story alleging that Yerima was trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and travelling in two unmarked Hilux vans around 6:30 pm along the Kubwa Expressway.
According to the reports, the supposed chase continued to Gado Nasco Way, with Yerima said to have escaped through what was described as a “strategic manoeuvre.”
The claims sparked speculation that the incident was linked to Yerima’s recent confrontation with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land in the Gaduwa District.
However, in a statement released Sunday night, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, condemned the story as false, saying no such report was filed with the police.
“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima.”
“The command categorically states that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement read.
Adeh urged the public to disregard the claim and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating fear or tension.
She also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police division.
DAILY GAZETTE earlier reported that Yerima was involved in a heated exchange with Minister Wike on November 11 at a contested site in Gaduwa.
The land is said to belong to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).
Viral videos from the incident showed Yerima, who was on security duty, blocking the minister’s convoy from accessing the site.
Wike accused Gambo of illegal development and reprimanded Yerima for allegedly assaulting Federal Capital Development Authority officials deployed to stop construction.
The episode triggered widespread reactions, with critics faulting Yerima’s conduct and others, especially military veterans, defending the officer and demanding an apology from the minister.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, assured that no military personnel performing lawful duties would be sanctioned.
“We will always protect officers on lawful duty,” he said during preparations for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
