Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday engaged in a heated confrontation with military personnel, AM Yerima, at a disputed land site in Abuja.
The altercation occurred at Plot 1946, Buffer Transit, Southern Parkway, Gaduwa District, where the minister had gone to inspect the property amid reports of interference with FCT officials.
Viral videos circulating online showed Wike arguing with a naval officer identified as AM Yerima, as tensions escalated between both parties.
The incident has since stirred widespread reactions on social media, raising fresh concerns about the relationship between civilian authorities and the military in Nigeria’s democracy.
According to reports, the clash followed an earlier encounter in which officers of the FCT Department of Development Control were allegedly chased away from the area by armed soldiers acting on the orders of a retired senior military officer claiming ownership of the land.
Speaking to journalists after the confrontation, Wike stated that the purported owner failed to present any valid land documents when requested.
“I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position cannot approach my office to say, ‘Look, this is what is going on’. But simply because he’s a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” Wike said
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“The director of development control said, ‘Bring the documents.’ They don’t have them. ‘Bring approval for building’; they don’t have it. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail? What about those who don’t have the military behind them? What about ordinary Nigerians?”
Things to know about Naval Officer AM Yerima
Lieutenant AM Yerima is a Nigerian naval officer known for his discipline, professionalism, and courage. Born and raised in Kaduna State, Nigeria, he initially gained admission to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he studied in the Faculty of Social Sciences, focusing first on Mass Communication. However, he made a pivotal decision to leave ABU and join the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he underwent rigorous military training, physical conditioning, leadership drills, and tactical education. This marked the defining moment of his commitment to national service and military life.
Upon successfully completing his training, Yerima was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy. His military career has been distinguished by service aboard various naval vessels and participation in numerous military operations and international training exercises. Notably, he has served with the Nigerian Navy’s elite Special Boat Service (SBS), a maritime special operations unit specializing in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and maritime security missions. Lt. Yerima also participated in Exercise Flintlock 2018, a multinational special operations training held in Niger, aimed at strengthening African military forces against terrorism and piracy.
Throughout his career, Yerima has earned recognition for his adherence to military values, respect for the chain of command, and professional conduct even under pressure. He gained national prominence in November 2025 following a confrontation with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike over disputed land in Abuja. In this incident, he stood firmly on military orders and demonstrated respect while maintaining his boundary, earning widespread public admiration.
