The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, on Wednesday confirmed that the ministry is investigating a clash between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and naval officer A. M. Yerima over a contested land in Abuja.
Addressing reporters during a briefing at the National Defence College, Abuja, ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day activities, Badaru assured that the military would fully protect personnel carrying out lawful duties.
He stated, “Well, at the ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty. We are looking into this issue, and we assure all 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, and he is doing his job very well.”
The confrontation reportedly occurred on Tuesday when Wike visited the land in question, which is believed to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.). In a video obtained by PUNCH, the minister could be seen visibly angry as he challenged the presence of armed personnel on the property, alleging that the military had seized it illegally.
Beyond addressing the dispute, Badaru used the briefing to highlight several initiatives aimed at strengthening military operations, improving veteran welfare, and enhancing national security.
He unveiled the Federal Government’s new programme, “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P)”, which will deploy retired yet capable military veterans to secure and rehabilitate areas previously occupied 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,” Badaru explained.
Additionally, he launched the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, which enables Nigerians, both home and abroad, to send personalised messages of appreciation to troops on the frontlines.
Highlighting ongoing military operations under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Badaru noted that troops had neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000 suspects, rescued nearly 10,000 hostages, and destroyed 1,900 illegal refining sites. He also revealed that over 100,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families had surrendered.
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On veteran welfare, the minister said the Defence Ministry is establishing a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre, and has enrolled 2,141 Civil War veterans who previously did not qualify for pensions. Plans are also underway to amend the Nigerian Legion Act and rename the body the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN).
Badaru further disclosed that Defence Health Maintenance Limited now covers over 400,000 enrollees, including 205,000 veterans and their families nationwide.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to honour the nation’s military personnel and fallen heroes, saying, “We must continue to honour gallant men and women who embody valour, discipline, and unity — the pillars of our democracy and sovereignty.”