Fresh Tension in Abuja as Navy Officer Lt. Yarima Survives Alleged Assassination Attempt After Clash With Wike

Fresh Tension in Abuja as Navy Officer Lt. Yarima Survives Alleged Assassination Attempt After Clash With Wike 

16th November 2025

A Nigerian Navy officer at the centre of a viral confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly survived an assassination attempt in Abuja on Sunday evening, heightening public concern over the escalating fallout from the Gaduwa land dispute.

According to military sources, Lt. A.M. Yarima was trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way. The suspicious convoy had no number plates.

Sensing danger, the young officer was said to have swiftly executed a “strategic manoeuvre,” successfully shaking off the suspected assailants around 6:30 p.m.

Security operatives have since opened an investigation, which sources say is being handled with “the seriousness it deserves,” although key details are being kept under wraps to avoid compromising the probe.

This dramatic development comes only days after the widely circulated video of a tense face-off between Lt. Yarima and FCT Minister Wike at a contested site in Gaduwa District. The heated exchange, which halted an ongoing demolition exercise following the Presidency’s intervention, triggered a national debate on civility in public office and the limits of political authority over uniformed personnel.

Military veterans across the country have rallied behind the young officer, condemning Wike’s verbal outbursts—particularly his decision to call Yarima “a fool” on camera.

Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, spokesman of the Coalition of Retired Veterans, described the comment as an attack on national institutions. He warned that ex-service members were ready to “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” should any disciplinary measures be taken against the officer.

“Our allegiance is to Nigeria, not to any political officeholder,” he said, insisting that Wike must tender an apology.

Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has meanwhile reassured the public that no lawful military officer will face sanctions over the confrontation.

“We will always protect our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” he stated during a briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Veterans had earlier threatened to mobilise nationwide if Lt. Yarima is punished, a stance that appears to have gained renewed momentum following Sunday’s alleged assassination attempt.