Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has counseled Lieutenant Yerima, the naval officer who confronted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.
The land is reportedly owned by former Chief of Naval Employees, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.
Chatting with journalists throughout a ministerial press briefing on the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration on Wednesday on the Nationwide Defence School, Abuja, Minister Badaru affirmed the Federal Authorities’s dedication to defending members of the Armed Forces whereas finishing up their lawful duties.
“On the Ministry and throughout the Armed Forces, we’ll at all times shield our officers performing their duties lawfully. Lieutenant Yerima has acted commendably, and we’ll guarantee his security.
“We’re totally reviewing this matter, and I guarantee you that any officer performing authentic duties will obtain full safety,” he said.
The remarks comply with widespread public response to a viral video displaying the FCT Minister engaged in a tense dispute with a naval officer at a building web site in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
Within the footage, Wike accused the officer of illegally stopping his entry to the property, emphasising that no particular person, no matter rank, is above the legislation.
The officer, in the meantime, insisted he was following orders from his superiors, resulting in a confrontation that has since sparked a debate among the many public.