From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting all members of the Nigerian Armed Forces performing their lawful duties.
Badaru’s remarks followed the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, which occurred on Tuesday in Abuja.
Addressing journalists at the National Defence College, Abuja, on Wednesday, the minister stressed that the Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces would stand by any officer acting within the law.
“At the Ministry, and indeed within the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty. We are looking into this issue, and I assure you that any officer performing his duty legitimately will be fully protected.
“We will not allow anything to happen to him as long as he is doing his job and doing it well,” Badaru said.
The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a contested parcel of land in the Federal Capital Territory allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd).
Sources said Lieutenant Yerima was carrying out a lawful assignment when the disagreement with Minister Wike ensued.
In reaction to the incident, a coalition of retired military veterans expressed strong support for the naval officer, warning that they might mobilize members to occupy the FCT Ministry if any punitive action was taken against him.
The veterans also urged the Federal Government to ensure that serving officers are not subjected to intimidation or harassment while performing official duties.
While Badaru declined to provide details on the ongoing investigation, he confirmed that the ministry was monitoring the situation and would take appropriate steps to ensure justice for all parties involved.
“We will not allow anything to happen to him as long as he is doing his job and doing it well,” the minister reaffirmed.
