We will always protect our officer. He has done well – Defence Minister backs officer who confronted Wike

Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru has commended Lieutenant Yerima, the naval officer who confronted FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over access to a disputed parcel of land in Abuja, reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.

Speaking at a press briefing on the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration at the National Defence College in Abuja on Wednesday, Badaru affirmed that the Federal Government will continue to protect and support all members of the Armed Forces while carrying out their lawful duties.

“At the Ministry, and indeed within the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty.

“We will always protect our officer. He has done well. We won’t allow anything happen to him.

“We are looking into this issue, and I assure you that any officer performing his duty legitimately will be fully protected”, he said