In a shocking and dramatic turn of events, Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yerima of the Nigerian Navy narrowly escaped what security sources are calling a highly coordinated assassination attempt. The incident, which occurred around 7:45 pm in Abuja, has sent shockwaves through the military establishment and raised serious concerns about the safety of uniformed officers operating in politically sensitive environments.
To understand the significance of what transpired, one must begin with the recent public controversy that has surrounded Lt. Yerima. Only days earlier, he made national headlines following a viral confrontation with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, at a disputed land site in Gaduwa District, Abuja. Videos of the exchange showed Wike angrily demanding documents, while a calm but firm Lt. Yerima insisted he was “acting on orders.”
The defence establishment rallied behind Yerima. Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru publicly declared that the lieutenant “acted within the scope of his official duty,” promising that the government “would not allow anything to happen to him so long as he is doing his job.” Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, described the previous confrontation as “unnecessary and avoidable,” urging that future disagreements be handled within military and institutional channels.
Amid the political furor, other voices added support for the naval officer. Journalist Rufai Oseni praised Yerima’s composure under pressure, calling his behavior “a lesson in restraint and integrity.” A civic group, #Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces, condemned what they described as verbal and physical assault by Wike’s team, urging a public apology.
The Attack: A Precision Strike
According to preliminary intelligence reports, the assassination attempt was launched just as evening was settling in. Yerima was leaving a secure naval facility in Abuja, having completed a briefing earlier in the day, when his convoy was ambushed.
Witnesses describe a small convoy traveling in at least two vehicles - a marked naval SUV followed by a support vehicle - slowly negotiating a stretch of road when several assailants struck from an overgrown bush along the roadside. One source describes the attackers as being dressed in civilian clothes but carrying automatic rifles.
As the lead SUV slowed, possibly due to a mechanical issue or simulated roadblock, shots rang out. Gunfire, the source says, came from two directions - from the roadside and from nearby brush - suggesting a coordinated pincer move. In the chaos, Yerima’s driver apparently lost control momentarily, but quick reactions by security personnel inside the vehicles prevented a more serious crash.
Lt. Yerima, reportedly shaken but uninjured, was aided by his protective detail, who returned fire. According to insiders, the naval guards managed to neutralize one of the assailants and chase off the rest, while one attacker was captured. The convoy sped off, and Yerima was driven to a military hospital for a check-up, where he was confirmed to be safe.