The Nigerian Army has openly backed Lt. Col. A.M. Yerima, the officer who confronted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a heated face-off over a disputed property in Abuja.
The incident, captured in a viral video, occurred when Wike led officials of the FCT Administration to enforce a demolition order on a property reportedly owned by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A.Z. Gambo (rtd). Military personnel on guard duty, led by Lt. Col. Yerima, intervened, insisting that the property was under military protection pending proper clarification from relevant authorities.
An angry Wike accused the officer of obstructing government orders, but Yerima remained calm and firm, maintaining that he was following directives from the military hierarchy.
In a show of solidarity, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, visited the site on Wednesday with a high-powered military delegation, including Yerima, to inspect the property and reaffirm the military’s stance. The visit was widely seen as a strong endorsement of Yerima’s conduct.
Hours later, the Nigerian Army posted a cryptic but powerful message on its official social media handle:
“IT IS AN HONOUR TO SERVE IN THE NIGERIAN MILITARY.
UNSHAKEN.
UNBENT.
UNBROKEN.”
The post — interpreted by many as a subtle dig at Wike — quickly went viral, drawing widespread reactions online. Many Nigerians applauded the Army’s professionalism and calm response, while others called for better synergy between civil authorities and the armed forces.
The confrontation has reignited national debate about the boundaries of civil authority and military protocol, with experts urging restraint, due process, and mutual respect between public officials and the military.
As of press time, the FCT Administration has yet to issue an official statement, but military sources maintain that all actions regarding properties linked to former service chiefs must follow proper legal procedures.
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