The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has confirmed that the ministry is investigating the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, A. M. Yerima, over a disputed piece of land in Abuja.
Speaking during a press briefing to flag off activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College, Abuja, Badaru said the military would always stand by any officer performing lawful duties.
“At the ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” he said.
“We are looking into this issue and assure everyone that any officer on lawful duty will be highly protected. We will not allow anything to happen to him so long as he is doing his job well.”
The clash reportedly happened on Tuesday when Wike visited the land in question and accused the military of taking over the property illegally. A video circulating online showed the visibly angry minister confronting armed naval personnel stationed at the site, said to belong to Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.), a former Chief of Naval Staff.
Beyond the controversy, Badaru used the briefing to unveil several new programmes aimed at improving national security, veteran welfare, and community development.
One of the key initiatives, the Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P), will engage retired but fit military veterans to help secure and rehabilitate areas previously held by terrorists.
“By engaging veterans to reinforce local security and initiate projects like farming and mining, RUSEB-P will prevent the resurgence of terrorism, revitalise local economies, and strengthen national security and cohesion,” he explained.
The minister also introduced a “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, allowing Nigerians at home and abroad to send appreciation messages directly to troops on the frontlines.
Highlighting recent military achievements, Badaru noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Armed Forces had neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested 17,000 suspects, rescued nearly 10,000 hostages, and destroyed 1,900 illegal refining sites. He also stated that more than 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP members and their families had surrendered.
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On veterans’ welfare, he announced the creation of a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre and confirmed that 2,141 Civil War veterans who were previously excluded from pension benefits had now been enrolled. The government also plans to amend the Nigerian Legion Act and rename it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN).
Badaru added that the Defence Health Maintenance Limited now provides coverage for over 400,000 enrollees, including 205,000 veterans and their families.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to continue supporting and honouring the nation’s troops and fallen heroes.
“We must continue to honour gallant men and women who embody valour, discipline, and unity — the pillars of our democracy and sovereignty,” he said.
