ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — A Nigerian naval officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt in Abuja, intensifying public concern days after he was involved in a widely publicized confrontation over a disputed parcel of land in the nation’s capital. Military sources and close associates say the officer is currently safe, stable and unharmed, although security around him has reportedly been reinforced.
The alleged incident occurred on Sunday evening when Yerima noticed he was being followed by two unmarked vehicles while driving through the Federal Capital Territory. The individuals involved were described as men dressed in black. According to security sources, Yerima employed what was referred to as a “strategic defensive maneuver” to evade the vehicles, preventing a possible ambush. No arrests have been confirmed, and authorities have not publicly stated a motive.
The escape came less than a week after Yerima gained national attention following a heated exchange with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike at a contested land site in Gaduwa, Abuja. Viral video footage circulated widely showing the minister confronting the officer, who stood his ground while maintaining security operations said to be conducted under military authorization. The incident escalated into nationwide debate regarding civilian authority versus military command duties.
Government representatives later stated that the clash stemmed from administrative enforcement directives on land matters, while naval sources insisted Yerima was carrying out lawful orders. Defence authorities have since launched investigations into both the confrontation and the assassination attempt, but have not disclosed detailed findings.
Public reaction to the attack has been overwhelming, with many Nigerians expressing deep concern and sympathy. Social media users described Yerima as “disciplined, professional and courageous,” and hashtags calling for protection, transparency and accountability trended across multiple platforms. Some groups have interpreted the incident as a potential intimidation tactic aimed at uniformed personnel performing assigned duties.
Civic organizations, religious leaders and veteran associations have demanded a transparent and independent investigation, urging authorities to ensure Yerima’s safety and uphold the rights of lawful security officers engaged in politically sensitive operations. Meanwhile, support messages have circulated across digital platforms, particularly among ex-service members.
Legal scholars, however, cautioned that while public solidarity is justified, it is crucial for Nigeria to maintain constitutional clarity regarding civilian authority in administrative disputes. Experts warned that turning the officer into a political or symbolic figure could deepen institutional mistrust or complicate civil-military relations.
The alleged assassination attempt — occurring so soon after the viral land confrontation — has raised national and international eyebrows, fueling speculation about whether the officer’s safety was compromised due to professional duty, political friction or an unrelated security threat. Defence officials have assured that officers acting within legal boundaries will be protected, and Yerima’s condition continues to be monitored as investigations proceed.
For many Nigerians, the case has moved beyond a single incident and now represents a broader conversation about security accountability, transparency, and the protection of personnel assigned to public duties in high-risk civic environments.
