Lieutenant A.M. Yarima of the Nigerian Navy, who recently had a confrontation with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has reportedly survived an assassination attempt in Abuja on Sunday evening.
Military sources, speaking to the Vanguard, indicated that the incident took place around 6:30 p.m. when the officer noticed two unmarked Hilux vans without license plates following him from the NIPCO Filling Station along the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way. The individuals inside, described as men dressed in black, allegedly kept a close watch on him until Lt. Yarima executed a tactical maneuver to escape from the suspicious vehicles.
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The authorities have been notified, and an investigation is currently underway. Further information is being withheld to avoid disrupting the inquiry.
This attempt on his life follows a widely circulated video showing Lt. Yarima standing firm during a heated exchange with Minister Wike at a demolition site in Abuja’s Gaduwa District, which garnered significant national attention and reactions from both the public and military personnel.
In response to the altercation, various military veteran associations publicly defended the officer, rejecting any calls for disciplinary action. The Coalition of Retired Veterans, represented by spokesperson Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, cautioned that retired service members across Nigeria would be ready to protest if the officer faced repercussions, asserting that those performing lawful duties must not be intimidated by political figures.
Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar later promised that no officer on official assignment would be punished, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding armed forces personnel carrying out their duties.
The reported assassination attempt has raised alarm within military ranks, with officials closely monitoring the situation as investigations proceed.
