By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, says an investigation is underway into the recent confrontation between the FCT Minister, 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 assured that the Armed Forces would protect any officer performing lawful duties.
“We are looking into this issue, and we assure all that any officer on lawful duty will be protected,” he said.
The clash reportedly occurred when Wike accused the military of illegally occupying land allegedly belonging to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (rtd.).
Beyond the incident, Badaru unveiled initiatives to enhance security and veterans’ welfare, including the Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P), to engage retired soldiers in securing reclaimed areas and promoting agriculture and mining.
He also launched the “Thank a Soldier” QR Code for Nigerians to send messages of appreciation to troops.
Badaru revealed that under President Tinubu, troops have neutralised over 13,000 terrorists, arrested 17,000 suspects, rescued 10,000 hostages, and recorded over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP surrenders.
He added that 2,141 Civil War veterans have been enrolled for pensions and proposed renaming the Nigerian Legion as the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN).
