How Lt. Yarima Survived a Shocking Assassination Attempt in Abuja After Clash With Wike

Tension has escalated in the Federal Capital Territory following a dramatic assassination attempt on Lieutenant Yarima as reported by Vanguard Newspaper, the military officer who recently confronted FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, during a heated land dispute encounter in Gaduwa District.

Military sources confirmed that the officer was trailed by unidentified men dressed in black, riding in two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, raising strong suspicion of a planned hit. The vehicles reportedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station along Line Expressway down to Gado Nasco Way in Abuja.

According to military intelligence, Yarima immediately sensed he was under targeted surveillance around 6:30 p.m. and executed a rapid, calculated defensive maneuver to escape the suspected attackers. The precision of the pursuit, sources say, leaves "no doubtÔÇØ that the officer was deliberately hunted.

Security operatives have since begun a high-level investigation, with authorities withholding key details to avoid compromising ongoing intelligence operations.

The assassination scare comes barely days after Lt. Yarima was seen in a viral video standing his ground during a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Wike at a disputed demolition site in Gaduwa.

The video, which sparked nationwide debate, showed Wike furiously berating the young officer-an action that drew widespread condemnation, especially from military veterans.

Following the confrontation, the Coalition of Retired Veterans issued a strong warning to the FCT Minister, insisting that no disciplinary action must be taken against Yarima.

Its spokesman, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, condemned Wike's conduct:

"How can a public office holder call an officer 'a fool' on camera? It is unacceptable. If they touch that officer, we will occupy the minister's office and residence.ÔÇØ

Veterans argued that soldiers swear loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution-not to individuals seeking to intimidate them.

Calming nationwide tension, Defence Minister Mohammad Badaru Abubakar reassured Nigerians that the military will protect every officer performing lawful duties.

"Any officer doing his job lawfully will be protected,ÔÇØ he stated during a ministerial briefing on preparations for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

The minister's position further emboldened veterans who had already vowed to storm the FCT Ministry if Yarima was sanctioned.

As Investigations Deepen...

Security analysts say the assassination attempt raises serious questions, especially given the timing. With the case now under discreet forensic review, Nigerians await clarity on whether the attempted hit was coincidental-or connected to the Gaduwa confrontation that shook the country.