A Nigerian Navy officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, who recently made headlines over a heated clash with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has reportedly escaped what appears to be an assassination attempt in Abuja.

Security sources told Vanguard that the incident happened around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Yerima was said to be driving from the NIPCO Filling Station along Kubwa Expressway when he noticed two unmarked Hilux vans trailing him. The men inside were reportedly dressed in black and made no effort to conceal their pursuit.

According to the source, Yerima immediately sensed danger and executed what was described as a “strategic manoeuvre,” allowing him to evade the suspicious vehicles as they followed him down to Gado Nasco Way.

Military insiders say the case is now under serious investigation, although authorities are withholding further details to avoid jeopardising the process.

This scare comes just days after Lt. Yerima was seen in a viral video exchanging words with Minister Wike over a controversial land site in Gaduwa District. 

The confrontation, which involved other security personnel at the scene, quickly sparked nationwide debate and drew the attention of the Presidency, which ordered a halt to the demolition exercise tied to the land.

The fallout from the clash has been intense. Veteran military officers across the country condemned Wike for verbally insulting the young naval officer, insisting that no disciplinary action should be taken against Yerima.

Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, spokesman of the Coalition of Retired Veterans, warned that ex-servicemen were ready to “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if any attempt was made to punish Yerima.

He stressed that soldiers swear allegiance to the Nigerian state—not individuals—adding that public officials must show respect to uniformed personnel performing lawful duties.

“How can a public office holder call an officer a fool on camera?” he asked, describing the minister’s behaviour as an embarrassment to public service.

Meanwhile, Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has assured that no military personnel acting within the law will be sanctioned over the altercation.

“We will always protect officers on lawful duty,” he said during a briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, adding that no officer will be punished for simply doing their job.

Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilise if any action was taken against Lt. Yerima.