Defence Minister Stands Firm Behind Naval Officer in Abuja Land Dispute with Wike

By Diafa Doubra,

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has expressed full support for the naval officer involved in a heated confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over a disputed plot of land in Abuja.

The officer, identified as Lieutenant Yerima, reportedly blocked Wike and his security team from accessing the land, insisting that it belonged to the Nigerian Navy.

In a statement on Tuesday, Minister Badaru described Lt. Yerima as a disciplined and professional officer who acted within his mandate to protect military property. He stressed that the Ministry of Defence would not abandon any service member who performs their duties lawfully.

The clash, which has sparked widespread debate on the boundaries between military and civil authorities, has prompted calls for clearer guidelines on government land ownership and inter-agency cooperation in the FCT.