Samuel Omang
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has confirmed that the Federal Government is investigating the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, A. M. Yerima, over a disputed plot of land in Abuja.
Speaking at a press briefing to launch activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College, Abuja, on Wednesday, Badaru assured that the Armed Forces would stand by any officer performing lawful duties.
“At the ministry, and indeed in the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” the minister stated.
“We are looking into this issue, and we assure all that any officer carrying out his duty legally will be protected. We will not allow anything to happen to him so long as he is doing his job properly.”
The altercation, which occurred on Tuesday, was captured in a viral video showing Wike exchanging words with naval personnel allegedly guarding a property linked to retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo. The FCT Minister was seen accusing the military of illegally taking over the land, while the officer stood his ground.
The incident has since sparked a national debate on civil-military relations, the use of armed forces in non-military matters, and the management of land administration in the FCT.
While responding to questions about the controversy, Badaru emphasized that the ministry would act only after verifying the facts, stressing that professionalism and institutional respect remain central to the operations of the Armed Forces.
Beyond the investigation, the Defence Minister used the briefing to unveil a new initiative aimed at strengthening national security and veterans’ welfare — the Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P).
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He explained that the programme would deploy “retired but agile” military veterans to help secure and rehabilitate territories previously occupied by terrorists, with a focus on rebuilding local economies through agriculture and mining.
“By engaging veterans to reinforce local security and initiate projects like farming and mining, RUSEB-P will prevent the resurgence of terrorism and promote community resilience,” Badaru said.
He also launched the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, designed to allow Nigerians to send personalised appreciation messages to serving troops on the frontlines.
Badaru further disclosed that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, troops had neutralised more than 13,000 terrorists, arrested 17,000 suspects, and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages, while over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their families had surrendered.
To enhance the welfare of veterans, the minister announced the establishment of a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre and the enrolment of over 2,000 Civil War veterans who previously lacked pension benefits.
He also revealed plans to amend the Nigerian Legion Act to create a new Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN), ensuring better recognition and support for ex-servicemen and their families.
“We must continue to honour gallant men and women who embody valour, discipline, and unity — the pillars of our democracy and sovereignty,” he said.
The Defence Health Maintenance Limited, according to him, now covers over 400,000 enrollees, including 205,000 veterans and their families nationwide.
The ongoing probe into the Wike–Naval Officer confrontation is expected to determine whether any breach of military or civil protocols occurred, even as public discourse continues to focus on accountability, civility in public office, and institutional boundaries in governance.