Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has thrown his support behind Lieutenant Yerima, the naval officer who confronted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a recent altercation over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.

A viral video of the incident showed a heated exchange between Wike and the officer, sparking widespread public reactions across the country.

Speaking on Wednesday at a ministerial press briefing ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration in Abuja, Badaru commended Yerima’s conduct, describing his actions as professional and within the bounds of his duty.

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“We will always protect our officer. He has done well. We won’t allow anything to happen to him,” the minister said, according to TVC News.

Badaru further disclosed that the government has launched an investigation into the incident, assuring that no harm will come to any officer performing legitimate duties.

“At the Ministry, and indeed within the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty. We are looking into this issue, and I assure you that any officer performing his duty legitimately will be fully protected,” he added.