Defence Minister Praises Naval Officer in Wike Abuja Land Clash

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has commended Lieutenant Yerima, the naval officer who engaged in a heated confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.

The land, located in the Gaduwa District of the Federal Capital Territory, is allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.).

Speaking during a press briefing on the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration at the National Defence College, Abuja, on Wednesday, Badaru stated that the Federal Government would protect all officers carrying out their lawful duties.

“At the Ministry, and indeed within the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” Badaru said. “We will always protect our officer. He has done well. We won’t allow anything to happen to him.”

He added, “We are looking into this issue, and I assure you that any officer performing his duty legitimately will be fully protected.”

Wike’s Outburst Sparked Public Reaction

The Defence Minister’s remarks come after a viral video captured a heated exchange between Wike and Lieutenant Yerima on Tuesday at the disputed site in Gaduwa, Abuja.

In the footage, Wike was seen confronting the officer over alleged illegal occupation of the land, questioning how the military could claim ownership of a property reportedly linked to a retired naval chief.

“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike fumed in the clip.

The officer, identified as Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, defended his actions, insisting, “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally.”

The confrontation escalated when Wike ordered him to keep quiet, but the officer refused, prompting Wike to retort: “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”

The video has since generated widespread reactions across social media, with Nigerians divided over whether Wike overstepped his authority or whether the military acted outside its jurisdiction.

Defence Ministry Steps In

Following public outcry, the Ministry of Defence’s assurance of protection for Yerima is being seen as a show of institutional solidarity with the Armed Forces amid concerns over civilian interference in military operations.

Badaru emphasised that the ministry was committed to ensuring discipline within the ranks while also safeguarding personnel performing legitimate assignments.

“The Armed Forces will continue to act within the law, and we will support our men wherever they are carrying out official duties,” the minister said.

The confrontation stems from an ongoing dispute involving a plot of land in the Gaduwa District of Abuja, allegedly acquired by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.).

Reports indicate that officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had attempted to reclaim the land, which the FCT authorities said was allocated for public use. Wike, during an on-site inspection, accused the military of illegally taking over the property.

However, aides to the retired naval chief have maintained that the land was lawfully acquired and that the military presence was meant to protect government assets.

The clash between the two ministries, FCT and Defence, has drawn national attention, prompting calls for President Bola Tinubu to intervene to prevent inter-agency rivalry and uphold the rule of law.

As of press time, the Nigerian Navy has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.