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.
