Lieutenant A.M. Yerima—the Nigerian Navy officer who recently made headlines after confronting the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—has reportedly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja.

According to reports by Vanguard, sources revealed that Yarima was trailed on Sunday evening by unidentified men dressed in black and travelling in two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates. The suspicious vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway down to Gado Nasco Way.

The officer was said to have become aware of the surveillance and executed what a source described as a “strategic maneuver,” successfully evading the suspected attackers. The incident reportedly occurred around 6:30 p.m.

Authorities are now investigating the matter, with insiders noting that the case is being handled with utmost seriousness. Further details are being kept confidential to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.

Lt. Yerima has been in the public eye since his confrontation with FCT Minister Wike over a disputed land in the Gaduwa District. The heated exchange, which was captured on video, triggered nationwide debate and led to a presidential directive halting the demolition exercise at the site.

Following the clash, military veterans across the country condemned Wike’s verbal attack on the young officer and firmly opposed any calls for disciplinary action against him.

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, also weighed in, assuring that no service member acting lawfully would be punished for doing their job. Speaking during a briefing ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Badaru emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting military personnel.

“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” he said. “Any officer doing his job lawfully and doing it well will be defended.”

As investigations continue, the attempted attack on Lt. Yerima has heightened public concerns, with many Nigerians calling for enhanced protection for the officer.