No Attack on Naval Officer in Confrontation with Wike — Police

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that Nigerian Navy officer Lt. Ahmed Yerima survived an assassination attempt in Abuja, describing the allegations as false and unverified.

The denial follows circulating social media posts suggesting that Yerima was being trailed by unidentified men dressed in black, driving two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates. The posts claimed the pursuit began around 6:30 p.m. near the NIPCO filling station along Kubwa Expressway and continued to Gado Nasco Way, with Yerima allegedly evading the assailants through a “strategic manoeuvre” during a high-speed chase.

Some speculation linked the alleged incident to Yerima’s recent confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land allocation in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, categorically denied the claims. “The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to social media posts alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima. The command wishes to state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory. The public is advised to disregard this false information and avoid spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic,” the statement read.

SP Adeh also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

The confrontation between Yerima and Minister Wike occurred on November 11 over a disputed plot in Gaduwa District, reportedly belonging to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd). Videos from the incident show Yerima, while on security duty, blocking Wike’s team from accessing the site. The minister accused the retired military chief of carrying out unauthorized development and confronted Yerima over alleged obstruction of Federal Capital Development Authority personnel.

The exchange escalated into a public dispute, with supporters of the minister highlighting his constitutional role, while military veterans defended the officer and demanded an apology from Wike.

Separately, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, assured that no lawful military personnel would face sanctions, emphasizing, “We will always protect officers on lawful duty,” during a briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.