Military Officer Who Stood Against Wike Survives Assassination Attempt in Abuja
2 min read
Military Officer Who Stood Against Wike Survives Assassination Attempt in Abuja photo source Facebook
A Nigerian Navy officer, Lieutenant A. M. Yarima, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja just days after his heated clash with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The alarming incident occurred on Sunday evening, November 16, when unidentified men in two unmarked Hilux vans followed the officer from the NIPCO Filling Station along the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.
Military sources confirmed that Lt. Yarima detected the suspicious surveillance and executed a strategic manoeuvre, successfully evading the potential attackers. The source stated, “The officer observed he was under surveillance and took immediate tactical action to avoid danger. He succeeded in shaking them off. The matter is under investigation and is being treated with utmost seriousness.”
The assassination scare follows a viral confrontation between Lt. Yarima and Minister Wike at a disputed land site in the Gaduwa District. The altercation, captured on video, showed Wike verbally berating the officer while security personnel tried to manage tensions. The video drew nationwide attention, prompting the Presidency to temporarily suspend the demolition exercise linked to the land dispute.
Military veterans across Nigeria have criticized Minister Wike’s conduct and warned against any disciplinary action against Lt. Yarima. Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, spokesperson for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, stated, “If the officer is punished, we will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister. Military personnel swear allegiance to Nigeria, not to individual political office holders. Wike’s remarks undermined our national institutions and demeaned public office.”
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, assured that any military officer performing lawful duties will be protected. “We will always protect officers on lawful duty,” Badaru said. “Any officer acting within the law will be supported if they are performing their responsibilities correctly.”
Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, also condemned Wike’s verbal assault on a uniformed officer, calling it “profound indiscipline” and disrespectful to the “Commander-in-Chief,” President Bola Tinubu.
This incident has sparked intense public debate about the treatment of military personnel by political figures, highlighting the need for respect, discipline, and protection of lawful officers.
About The Author
