Mohammed Badaru, the Minister of Defense, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting all military personnel around the nation who are carrying out their legal duty.
In advance of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day event, Badaru reportedly made the promise on Wednesday while speaking to reporters at a ministerial press briefing at the National Defence College in Abuja.
His remarks follow an altercation on Tuesday between Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, a naval officer, and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike over the development of a disputed piece of land in Abuja that is purportedly connected to Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, a former Chief of Naval Staff.
In response to inquiries regarding the altercation, the Defense Minister emphasized that the armed forces would not desert any officer who behaved within the bounds of legitimate authority while also stating that the ministry was already investigating the issue.
“Well, at the Ministry and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” stated Badaru.
“We are investigating this matter, and we guarantee the highest level of protection for any lawfully employed officer. We won’t let anything happen to him since, as of right now, he is performing his duties admirably.
The remarks coincide with widespread indignation over a video that went viral and showed the FCT Minister fighting with a navy officer at a construction site in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.
Wike insisted that everyone, regardless of position, was subject to the law and accused the officer in the video of illegally preventing him from accessing the property.
However, the officer insisted that he was following higher-ups’ directions, which led to a debate that has since split the public.
