By Oso Abidemi

Nigerian Navy officer Lt. A.M. Yarima, who recently clashed with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, on Sunday escaped an alleged assassination attempt in Abuja.

Military sources told Vanguard that Yarima was followed by unidentified men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans.

The suspected assailants reportedly trailed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way around 6:30 p.m.

Sensing danger, the officer was said to have executed a “strategic maneuver” that enabled him to evade the vehicles. The matter is now under investigation, with security authorities treating it with “the seriousness it deserves.”

The incident comes days after a viral confrontation between Yarima and Wike at a disputed land site in Gaduwa District, which led to presidential intervention and the suspension of a planned demolition.

Following the clash, military veterans condemned Wike’s verbal outburst against the officer and warned against any disciplinary action.

The Coalition of Retired Veterans, through its spokesman Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, threatened to “occupy” the minister’s office and residence if Yarima was punished, insisting that military personnel owe allegiance to the nation, not public office holders.

Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar has since assured that no officer acting lawfully will be sanctioned, reaffirming government support for security personnel performing their duties.

Veterans had earlier vowed nationwide mobilisation should any action be taken against Lt. Yarima.

By Samson Adeyanju

Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has praised Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, for his commitment to strengthening security collaboration with the state.

Speaking during a visit to the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, Governor Alia commended Abass for his recent visit to Benue and the Navy’s support amid ongoing security challenges in the Middle Belt.

He also congratulated the naval chief on his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as part of the President’s exemplary leadership in advancing national security.

Vice Admiral Abass visited Makurdi on 11 November 2025, inspecting key facilities, including the Navy Barracks at Kanshio, the Navy Medical Centre, and the temporary site of the Navy Provost and Regulating School.

Makurdi was chosen due to the strategic importance of the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command (NNSOC), established in Benue following a request by Governor Alia in 2024.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnerships with national security agencies to ensure peace, stability, and protection for all residents, while expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for his ongoing support in combating terrorism and other security threats in the state.

By Huldah Shado

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to eliminating insurgents, terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.

He gave the assurance during an operational visit to the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA at the 213 Forward Operating Base, Katsina, where he urged personnel to intensify efforts in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to neutralise all threats.

Aneke said recent government investments in new platforms, advanced weapons and improved training place a greater responsibility on the Air Force to deliver decisive results.

He urged personnel to honour the sacrifices of fallen heroes by remaining innovative, focused and relentless.

Commending their courage and professionalism, the CAS vowed that NAF would continue to track and strike hostile elements wherever they hide.

He also reiterated his commitment to prioritising personnel welfare, training and equipment, stressing that “a force that fights hard must also live well.”

Aneke said NAF will sustain technology-driven operations to maintain aerial superiority and support ground troops nationwide.