By Peter Omopo
Abuja | Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has publicly declared support for a naval officer, Lieutenant Yerima, who was involved in a heated confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.
The confrontation, which occurred on Tuesday, reportedly centered around land said to belong to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd). Video footage circulating online shows a tense exchange between Wike and the officer, who stood his ground as the FCT minister and officials attempted to gain access to the property.
Addressing journalists, Minister Badaru praised the officer’s professionalism, insisting that Yerima acted lawfully and within his duties.
“We will always protect our officer. He has done well, and we won’t allow anything to happen to him,” Badaru said.
“Any officer performing lawful duties will be protected highly. So long as he is doing his job — and he is doing it greatly well — we will stand by him.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Defence Minister confirmed that the government is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident but emphasized that Yerima’s conduct reflected discipline and adherence to protocol.
The confrontation drew public attention after a viral video showed Wike visibly enraged, accusing the officer of obstructing government operations. In the clip, the minister shouted, “Because you’re an officer, nobody does that!” while the soldier calmly replied, “Sir, I’m an officer; I have integrity.” The verbal exchange escalated, with both men refusing to back down as onlookers and FCT officials watched.
The land dispute is the latest in a string of controversies linked to demolition exercises and ownership disagreements under Wike’s administration in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Defence Ministry’s stance underscores growing tension between federal security agencies and the FCTA over jurisdictional authority in Abuja. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the FCT Administration has launched an internal review following the viral altercation.
Observers say the incident highlights the delicate balance between civil authority and military presence in Nigeria’s capital, especially as land allocation and demolition policies continue to spark public debate.
