Lieutenant A.M. Yerima of the Nigerian Navy narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Sunday evening in Abuja, according to military sources. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. when two unmarked Hilux vans trailed the officer from the NIPCO Filling Station along the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way. Unknown men dressed in black and driving vehicles without number plates were involved in the suspicious surveillance. Military sources informed that Lieutenant Yerima noticed the pursuit and used a sharp maneuver to break away from the suspected attackers, evading potential harm.
This attempted attack comes shortly after Lieutenant Yerima’s highly publicized confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at a disputed land site in the Gaduwa District. The clash, which was captured on video and spread widely across social media, drew strong reactions from various quarters. Veterans across the country condemned Minister Wike’s treatment of the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima. They warned that former service members were prepared to storm the minister’s office if any punishment was issued. In their statements, they emphasized that military personnel serve the nation, not individual political figures.
In response to the growing tension, Defence Minister Mohammad Badaru Abubakar assured that no officer performing lawful duty would be penalised. He stated, “The government will protect all service members acting within the law,” seeking to calm the situation. The matter of the assassination attempt is now under investigation, and officials are withholding further details to avoid affecting ongoing inquiries. Veterans had earlier vowed to gather at the FCT Ministry if Lieutenant Yerima faced any disciplinary move, highlighting the ongoing concerns over the safety and rights of military personnel.
