“After Wike Clash, Navy Officer Survives Alleged Assassination Attempt — Nation Demands Answers!”
By Passman Akpos
A fresh wave of tension has gripped the nation following reports that a young Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yarima, who recently clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Sunday evening.
Military sources told Vanguard that Yarima was trailed by unidentified men clad in black, 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, raising immediate suspicion of a targeted attack.
According to the source, the officer quickly sensed he was being stalked and executed what was described as a “strategic maneuver”, successfully evading the suspected assailants. The incident took place at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The military source confirmed that the matter is now under thorough investigation.
> “It is receiving the seriousness it deserves,” the source said, noting that additional details are being withheld to avoid compromising the ongoing process.
Background: A Clash That Shook the Nation
The alarming development comes just days after Lt. Yarima was involved in a high-profile confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The tense exchange — captured on video and widely circulated — triggered widespread public outcry and forced the Presidency to halt the demolition exercise at the location.
Following the altercation, military veterans across the country rallied behind the young officer, condemning Wike’s verbal outburst and rejecting any suggestion of disciplinary action against Yarima.
Veterans to Government: “Touch Him and We Occupy Your Office”
Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, issued a blunt warning, stating that former service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if Yarima faced any punishment.
He stressed that military personnel owe loyalty to the Nigerian state, not to individuals in public office.
> “How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” he asked.“Such conduct undermines national institutions and demeans the dignity of public office.”
Defence Minister Backs Yarima
Offering assurance amid the escalating tension, Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar declared that no military officer performing lawful duties would be sanctioned over the incident.
> “We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” he stated at a ministerial briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations.“Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and doing it well.”
Veterans had previously vowed to mobilise nationwide and occupy the FCT Ministry should any action be taken against Lt. Yarima.
A Nation on Edge
With an attempted attack now reported and investigations underway, the situation continues to evolve — raising questions about motive, security lapses, and the broader implications of the recent confrontation.
For many Nigerians, the spotlight remains fixed on the unfolding drama between military discipline, political authority, and the safety of a young officer at the center of it all.
