Navy Officer Who had heated exchange with Wike ‘Escapes Assassination Attempt’ — Investigation Underway

A young Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yarima the same officer who recently clashed with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reportedly survived an assassination attempt on Sunday evening.

Military sources told Vanguard that unidentified men dressed in black, driving two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, trailed the officer from the NIPCO Filling Station along the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way. Their coordinated movement reportedly raised immediate suspicion.

Upon sensing the threat, Yarima executed a “strategic maneuver,” successfully shaking off the suspected assailants around 6:30 p.m. The matter is currently under investigation, with officials describing it as “sensitive” and insisting that certain details are being withheld to avoid compromising ongoing findings.

This incident comes barely days after Yarima’s viral confrontation with Wike at a disputed land site in Gaduwa an exchange that sparked public outrage and forced the Presidency to halt the demolition exercise.

Following the clash, military veterans nationwide condemned Wike’s conduct, labelling his verbal attack on the officer as disrespectful and unacceptable. Coalition spokesman, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members were prepared to “occupy” the minister’s office and residence if any disciplinary action was taken against Yarima, stressing that military personnel owe allegiance to the nation, not to individual officials.

Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, later reassured the public that no officer acting lawfully would be punished, emphasising that the government remains committed to protecting personnel performing their duties professionally.

Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilise across the country should Lt. Yarima face any form of penalty a threat many say reflects the depth of support the young officer currently enjoys.

Lieutenant Yarima escapes "assassination attempt" in Abuja days after engaging in tense confrontation with Wike.

Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yarima, who recently had a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly escaped an assassination attempt around 6:30pm on Sunday, Nov. 16.

According to Vanguard, military sources stated that Yarima was trailed by some unknown men clad in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans with no number plates. The vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.

According to the source, Yarima noticed the men trailing him and executed a “strategic maneuver,” successfully evading the suspected assailants.

The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves.”

The source also disclosed to the publication that further details are being withheld so as not to compromise the investigation.

This comes days after Lt. Yarima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has kicked against the decision to expel Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In a statement on Saturday, the governor said the decision is not in the best interest of the party.

PDP Breaks Silence: Why Wike, Fayose & Others Were Suspended

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has finally explained why it suspended former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, along with several top party figures.

According to VANGUARD, the party said the affected leaders engaged in activities harmful to the PDP, prompting decisive action during its national convention in Ibadan on Saturday, November 15, 2025.


Party officials revealed that Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose were accused of taking steps that directly worked against the party’s interests.

The motion for their suspension was moved by Chief Bode George and seconded by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, receiving unanimous approval from PDP members.

This decision came shortly after Wike’s widely criticized altercation with an armed soldier in Abuja—an incident many believe worsened tensions within the party.


The announcement triggered intense online debate.
While some Nigerians felt the sanctions were long overdue given the internal crises linked to Wike and others, others argued that the decision was abrupt and politically charged.

PDP outlines why Wike and key figures were suspended — sparking shockwaves and sharp reactions nationwide.

“Not My Decision!”: Governor Muftwang Washes Hands Off Wike, Fayose’s Expulsion from PDP

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Muftwang, has firmly dissociated himself from the expulsion of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and several others from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement issued by Gyang Bere, his Director of Press and Public Affairs, the governor clarified that the issue was never discussed at the PDP Governors Forum nor at the National Executive Committee (NEC) before the motion was suddenly introduced.

The statement stressed that the expulsion move does not represent Governor Muftwang’s position, especially given the delicate state of the party.

According to the release:

“Governor Mutfwang made it clear that the matter was neither discussed by the Governors Forum nor at the NEC before the motion was presented. The proposal does not reflect his stance.”


The governor emphasized that sacking key party leaders at such a critical time is not a strategic approach to resolving the PDP’s internal crisis.

He called instead for unity, dialogue, and collective effort to rebuild and reposition the party for the challenges ahead.

You Go Explain Tire, Evidence Boku—Farotimi On Wike Saying He Never Called Naval Officer A Fool.

In a recent statement via his official X account, public affairs commentator and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has reacted to the latest controversy surrounding the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The minister has denied ever calling a naval officer “a fool,” even though a video circulating online appears to show him making the statement.

"You go explain tire, evidence boku," he wrote.

In his post, Farotimi mocked the denial and suggested that evidence was already widespread.

Wike: With Eleven Microphones, He Attempts A Denial Of What He Said With No Microphone — Dino Melaye.

Former federal lawmaker Senator Dino Melaye has publicly ridiculed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, after sharing a video clip of the minister’s recent interview on his verified Instagram page. The post, uploaded on Friday, November 14, 2025, captures Wike addressing the controversy surrounding his confrontation with a naval officer during an enforcement operation linked to an alleged land grab in Abuja.

Melaye accompanied the video clip with a pointed caption: “With Eleven microphones, he attempts a denial of what he said with no microphone. Spirit of error na shege.”

The video shows Wike defending his actions and clarifying comments he made during the incident. He insisted that his conscience guided his response during the confrontation: “My conscience will not allow me. If I’m enforcing rules order to other people then I’m going to say this man, don’t go there because he was former naval officer. Nobody does that. So those who are writing, who are talking junks, go and find out what really happened.”

Wike also addressed widespread claims that he insulted the military or referred to the naval officer as a “fool.” He said; “Some people say I said the boy is a fool and what I meant was this. You cannot be carrying out an illegal order. That’s what I said. I didn’t say the military is a fool. I couldn’t have said that. I don’t remember. I know the role of the military. The role they have been playing in this country. What they have passed through in fact is just terrorism. There’s nobody.”

The minister emphasised his longstanding support for security agencies: “And I’ve always given my support to security agencies. As I came as FCT minister, go and see their security agencies. Go and see what I provided for them to fight and do their work.” He further questioned why he would undermine the same institutions he has equipped: “So if I knew that, why would I say military? It’s not true. But you, what you are doing, you are not doing what you are taught as an officer.”

Wike compared the officer’s conduct to misconduct within academia: “You may find that an officer does nothing that if you do, what’s wrong? It’s like a professor in the university who will not allow young girls to rest or will not allow them to bring money for this and that. Then when I see that professor, I will tell that professor, you are not supposed to be a professor at all.”

Land dispute: Top FCTA officials tender apology to Wike over brawl with Navy officer.

Top officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have tendered an unreserved apology to the Minister, Nyesom Wike over his recent brawl with Navy Lieutenant AM Yerima in the Gaduwa area of Abuja on Tuesday, November 12.

Wike and Yerima had engaged in a heated verbal altercation over a piece of land owned by a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo.

The minister’s aide, Lere Olayinka had on Wednesday stated that Gambo was scammed off the property by an Abuja-based estate development and had no legal backing to deploy the use of military officers led by Yerima to guard the property and prevent FCTA officials including Wike from gaining access to the land.

Reacting days after the incident, the staff of the administration on Thursday apologised to the minister over the controversial incident which had continued to make headlines.

Land Dispute: Reactions After Dino Melaye Shared Video Of Abuja Residents Chanting Wike Shame On You.

Social media users reacted strongly after Senator Dino Melaye, a former governorship aspirant in Kogi State, shared a video showing residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ridiculing Minister Nyesom Wike and his team. The footage was posted on Melaye’s official X account on November 13, 2025.

The video was recorded during an incident in Abuja where Wike and his entourage attempted to inspect a plot of land but were reportedly blocked by Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima and other military personnel. In the clip, the residents could be seen siding with the officers while openly mocking the FCT Minister and his team.

At one point in the video, people were heard shouting phrases such as, “Wike, shame on you. Power pass power,” reflecting their disapproval of the minister’s presence and actions. The moment quickly drew attention online, with many social media users reacting to the video through comments, shares, and discussions.

The post sparked a variety of reactions from the public, highlighting the growing interest in political developments in Abuja and the involvement of security personnel in local disputes. Several users expressed amusement at the residents’ boldness, while others debated the implications of the confrontation between a high-ranking political figure and military officers.

"I wouldn’t have said that the military is a fool. I know their rules" — Wike clarifies his statement in his clash with Naval officer over a disputed land in Abuja.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified remarks he made during an altercation with a naval officer amid an ongoing dispute involving a piece of land in Abuja.

Speaking at a press conference, Wike addressed public reactions to a video of the confrontation, insisting that his comments were misunderstood and taken out of context. 

According to him, his criticism was directed at the illegality of the officer’s actions, not at the Nigerian military as an institution.
In his words, “Some people will say I said ‘the boy, you are a fool.’ What I meant was this — you can’t be carrying out an illegal order — that’s what I meant. I didn’t say military you are a fool. I wouldn’t have said that. I wouldn’t have. I know the rule of the military.”

The clash reportedly occurred when Wike visited the disputed land and questioned the presence and resistance of naval personnel stationed there. 

The FCT Administration, he said, will continue to intervene wherever public property or legal procedures are being undermined.

The Nigerian Defence minister has however drummed support for Naval officer Lt. AM Yerima. Noting that he acted right.

Wike Rebukes Buratai for Comment on Clash With Naval Officer.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Thursday criticised former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), accusing him of misinterpreting the altercation he had last Tuesday with naval officers led by Lt. A.M. Yerima.

Wike questioned Buratai’s claim that his conduct amounted to a national security threat and a slight on President Bola Tinubu. 

Addressing reporters at his Life Camp residence, he faulted the former Army chief for asking him to apologise to Lt. Yerima, insisting Buratai had no authority to lecture him on proper behaviour.

He also blamed Yerima for escalating the confrontation over a disputed plot in the Gaduwa District, which the FCT Administration says was illegally acquired by former Naval Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo. Wike accused the officer of obeying an unlawful directive.

Wike said: “I read what one former Chief of Army Staff wrote. He cannot tell me of decency and he can’t teach me. This was the same man who (allegedly) directed his GOC to rig election, my election in 2019. He couldn’t rig me. He lost.

He told his GOC to kill me and I could not be killed. He became an agent in APC primaries to one of APC’s presidential aspirants. Look at the rank of a polling agent. He is the one commenting that the minister did this and that. I have never seen people like this.

I have no regrets for my political opponents. I will continue to make them have sleepless nights. Whether you are in PDP, whether you are in APC, whether you are in ADC, it is not my business.

I have no regrets supporting President Tinubu and I have never hidden my intention and I will continue to do what is right. So, if you like to write anything you want to write, as far as I know, I am standing by the side of the law. If you like, bring every ethnicity coloration, it is your business”.

He urged all officials, regardless of status, to respect the rule of law at all times.

Former President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, has called on Nigerians to show utmost respect for the country’s armed forces, following the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja.

"How can I sit quietly in my office when government officials, including directors, are being attacked and beaten?"
— Wike defends his clash with Lt. A.M. Yerima

Reacting to the recent incident involving a naval officer, Minister Nyesom Wike expressed concern about the safety and morale of government officials, saying:

“How can I effectively serve as a minister when government officials are being attacked and intimidated? These are public servants, yet they face threats while sitting in their offices, trying to perform their duties. How can they carry out their responsibilities if they feel unprotected?

“I’ve had calls from respected figures like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former President and head of state, or General Theophilus Danjuma, who are retired generals. When they encounter a problem, they call a minister directly. There’s no intimidation, no threat just respect. And I ensure their issues are addressed promptly. That is how respect and protocol work.

“This is very different from situations where serving officers engage in acts of indiscipline. For instance, when a serving major general attacked a control, I immediately wrote a letter to the President and the Chief of Defence Staff, who was the Chief of Army Staff at the time, to address the matter. Everything falls under the authority and control of the military, and proper channels must be observed.

“Before I assumed office, contracts had been awarded to develop areas close to military barracks. Contractors were chased away. I intervened, involving the late Chief of Army Staff, Chief Olabanji, and other relevant defense officials, to find solutions without conflict. I have always respected established processes, and I continue to prioritize resolution through dialogue rather than confrontation.”

I’m Not Happy With Wike’s Professionalism;Imagine If Courage Had Pushed Him To Slap The Officer-Dele Farotimi.

Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist Dele Farotimi has expressed disappointment over Governor Nyesom Wike’s conduct during a recent clash with a naval officer in Abuja concerning a land dispute.

Farotimi made his remarks while responding to an online user who suggested that Wike might have faced the consequences of his own alleged tendencies to oppress, implying that the FCT Minister’s resistance was a form of justified backlash.

The incident, which occurred on November 11, 2025, saw the FCT Minister confront Naval Officer Lieutenant David Yerima in Abuja's Gaduwa District over a disputed land plot that was illegally allocated to a former naval chief. Wike's team attempted demolition while officers blocked access, leading to a tense standoff captured in viral videos.

In a post on his official X handle, Farotimi sarcastically criticized Wike for maintaining professionalism during the encounter. He hinted that the situation could have turned much more dramatic if Wike had acted on impulse, noting the restraint shown in the face of provocation.

According to Dele Farotimi on his official X account:

"Me that is not too happy at his professionalism, imagine if Wike’s Dutch courage had pushed him to slap the officer."

I Don’t Have Any Problem With The Military” – Wike Speaks After Clash With Soldiers In Abuja.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dispelled any claims of a misunderstanding between himself and the Nigerian military.

According to Wike, who spoke with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, he has no problem and would never have a problem with the military.

His comments follow the altercation between him and an officer of the Nigerian Navy on Tuesday over the legality of an ongoing development of a land in Abuja, which has since snowballed into a matter of national discourse.

However, in his chat with newsmen on Thursday, the FCT Minister stated that claims in certain quarters about a fallout between him and the Nigerian military are false, mischievous, and unfounded.

He submitted that the Armed Forces is an institution he has utmost respect for, adding that his administration has remained steadfast in supporting military operations within the FCT and across Nigeria.

“Let me make it clear I do not have any problem with the military and will never have. I have great respect for the institution and for the sacrifices they make to keep our nation safe,” he said.

Addressing his comments during the heated confrontation which broke out on Tuesday in Abuja after soldiers prevented him and his entourage from accessing a parcel of land in the Gaduwa district, Wike said his words were taken out of context as he was only advocating for lawful conduct and adherence to constitutional principles by all security operatives.

“What I said was simple no officer or individual should carry out an illegal order. If an instruction is unlawful, you have the right to say no. That does not mean I have a problem with the military.

Atiku Reacts To Report That He Has Given Lieutenant Yerima A Brand New SUV For Challenging Wike.

Fomer Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar has reacted to report that he gave Lieutenant A.M Yerima a brand new SUV for challenging the Minster of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

The reaction of the former Vice President was contained in a report that was published on the official X handle of Vanguard on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

This is coming after the FCT Minister had a dispute with the military personnel while trying to access a land in Abuja.

In the report that surfaced online, Atiku's media aide, Paul Ibe stated that the report claiming that the former Vice President gifted the officer a brand new SUV is false and misleading. Ibe said the report emanated from mischief makers to tarnish the image of Atiku Abubakar.

He however, urged the general public to disregard the report.

Here is what Paul Ibe said according to Vanguard;

“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima or any other individual a brand new Toyota SUV, contrary to the false reports currently circulating on social media.

"The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public".

Wike Is Our Colleague And Could've Reached Out To Us, The Officer's Action Was Lawful -Bello Matawalle.

Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has stated that the military officer involved in the recent altercation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike did not commit any offence and should be commended for his conduct.

According to a report by Punch on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Matawalle said Wike should have reached out to the Defence Ministry to resolve the issue instead of allowing it to escalate. He said the officer only acted on lawful instructions and did exactly what he was trained to do which is to be disciplined, loyal, and obedient to orders.

Matawalle stated that the officer did not violate any military rule and will not face any punishment for carrying out his duty. He said the young officer obeyed a lawful order and followed due process throughout the encounter. In his words: “He (Wike) is our colleague, and Wike could have reached out to us to resolve whatever issue. The officer’s action was lawful because he was trained to be disciplined, loyal, and obedient to orders

"He is Doing His Job and Doing it Greatly Well" — Defence Minister Backs Naval Officer in Heated Clash With Wike Over Abuja Land.

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has declared support for Lieutenant Yerima, the naval officer who clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over a disputed parcel of land allegedly belonging to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd).

Speaking on the incident, Badaru praised the officer’s conduct, describing Yerima as disciplined and dutiful. 

“We will always protect our officer; he has done well. We won’t allow anything to happen to him,” the minister stated. “Any officer on lawful duty will be protected highly. He is doing his job, and doing it greatly well,” Badaru said, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The confrontation reportedly occurred on Tuesday when FCT officials attempted to take possession of the disputed land in Abuja. 

A viral video showed soldiers blocking Wike’s convoy, triggering a h+ated verbal exchange between the minister and Lieutenant Yerima.

 Wike accused the soldiers of obstructing government officials from carrying out their duties, while the officer insisted he was acting under lawful orders.

“Because you’re an officer, nobody acquires land illegally!” Wike shouted.
“Sir, we did not carry any land,” Yerima replied.

As the exchange escalated, Wike called the officer “a big fool,” to which Yerima retorted, “I’m not a fool, sir. I am acting on an order.”

Wike vs Soldier: Officer Yerima broke no law – Minister, Matawalle.

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has declared that Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima, the naval officer captured in a viral video engaging in a heated exchange with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike did not break any law.

According to LEADERSHIP, Matawalle made his position known while speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa.

The Minister assured that the officer will not face any disciplinary action, stating that the Lieutenant was respectful while speaking with Wike.

There has been concerns over possible sanctions against officer Yerima after a video of his confrontation with Wike went viral on Tuesday.

Wike had visited a disputed plot of land in Gaduwa District allegedly belonging to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd) but was stopped by the naval officer, leading to a heated exchange.

Addressing the matter, Matawalle said the incident would have occurred if it was handled through proper channels.

“The minister should not have confronted him. Lieutenant Yerima was acting on orders. If Wike had any concerns, he should have spoken to his superiors or to me directly since I oversee naval affairs,” Matawalle said.

The Minister commended Yerima’s composure during the confrontation, describing his conduct as disciplined and professional.

Peter Obi Reacts as Wike Clashes with Soldiers Over Property in Abuja.

According to a report by Punch on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has reacted to the viral video showing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, engaging in a heated confrontation with soldiers in Abuja.

The incident, which occurred on Plot 1946 in the Gaduwa District, involved soldiers allegedly blocking officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) from carrying out their duties. The disputed land is reportedly linked to the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd.)

In a post shared on his official X handle on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Obi described the altercation as “a needless and unfortunate reflection of Nigeria’s growing institutional disorder.”

He said, “The recent altercation between the FCT Minister, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer is yet another unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder in our country. What should ordinarily be a routine civic encounter has, once again, become a national embarrassment — a typical example of what comes out of a disgraced nation.”

Obi noted that the incident raised critical questions about the misuse of state power and the weakening of Nigeria’s institutions.

He asked: “Should the military be used for purely civil operations? If proper protocols were in place, should a Minister’s intervention in such a matter be so indecorous? Shouldn’t there be clear boundaries between administrative authority and the duties of security agencies?”

He further questioned Nigeria’s culture of governance and respect for due process, lamenting the frequent involvement of military personnel in civil disputes. “Why has the culture of due process and civility given way to public spectacle and confrontation? If our institutions worked as they should, would tempers flare in situations that should be handled by procedure and hierarchy?”