Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has confirmed that the ministry is investigating the altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, A. M. Yerima, over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.
Speaking at a press briefing to launch activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja, Badaru said the military would not abandon any officer performing lawful duties.
“We are looking into this issue. Any officer carrying out lawful duty will be protected — we won’t allow anything to happen to him,” he stated.
The confrontation reportedly occurred when Wike accused naval personnel of illegally occupying land allegedly belonging to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).
Beyond the clash, the minister unveiled several initiatives to boost military operations, welfare, and security.
He announced the “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P)”, which will engage retired but fit veterans to secure and rehabilitate areas once held by terrorists.
Badaru also introduced the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, allowing citizens to send personalised appreciation messages to troops.
Highlighting military gains under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, he disclosed that troops had neutralised over 13,000 terrorists, arrested 17,000 suspects, rescued 10,000 hostages, and destroyed nearly 2,000 illegal refining sites, while over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP members had surrendered.
On veterans’ welfare, he revealed plans to establish a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre, expand healthcare coverage to over 400,000 enrollees, and amend the Nigerian Legion Act to create the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN).
Badaru urged Nigerians to honour soldiers and veterans, saying:
“We must continue to appreciate the gallant men and women whose courage safeguards our democracy and sovereignty.”
