Wike-naval officer clash: Ex-Generals kick as FG orders probe

Wike and the naval officer during the altercation

Former military Generals have expressed outrage over Tuesday’s clash between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer identified as A. Yerima, over alleged land grabbing.

The veterans, in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Wednesday, asserted that such confrontations undermine the chain of command and institutional respect.

In the wake of the outrage that trailed the incident, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said the ministry is investigating the matter. He assured that the Armed Forces would protect personnel carrying out lawful duties.

Speaking at a press briefing to commence activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College, Abuja, the defence minister lauded Yerima for his composure during his face-off with the FCT minister.

“At the ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,’’ he noted. “We are looking into this issue and assure that any officer performing his duties lawfully will be highly protected. We will not allow anything to happen to him so long as he is doing his job, and he is doing it very well.”

The stand-off between Wike and the officer followed a row over the ownership of a piece of land being guarded by some armed military officers led by Yerima, on the instruction of a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).

Wike had alleged that the ex-CNS illegally took over the land. A video obtained by The PUNCH showed the visibly enraged minister confronting the officer.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, asked Wike to publicly apologise to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the military officer involved in the clash.

Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff between 2015 and 2021, said Wike’s conduct was inappropriate and amounted to disrespect for the military.