Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru said the ministry is investigating the confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer over disputed land in Abuja. “We are looking into this issue, and we assure all that any officer on lawful duty will be highly protected,” he said.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said on Wednesday that the ministry is investigating the confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and naval officer A. M. Yerima over a disputed piece of land in Abuja. Speaking at the National Defence College during the launch of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Badaru assured that officers on lawful duty would be protected.
“Well, at the ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” he said. “We are looking into this issue… we will not allow anything to happen to him so long as he is doing his job.”
The clash reportedly occurred when Wike visited land said to belong to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.), questioning the presence of armed personnel. Badaru also unveiled initiatives to strengthen national security, including the RUSEB-P programme engaging veterans and the “Thank A Soldier” QR code to appreciate troops.