Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has assured that no officer or soldier performing lawful duties will be sanctioned over the recent altercation between military personnel and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja.
Speaking on Wednesday during the ministerial briefing to mark the commencement of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the National Defence College, Abuja, Badaru emphasized that the military will continue to protect personnel carrying out their lawful assignments.
“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty. Any officer who performs his duty lawfully and diligently will be protected,” the minister stated.
The assurance followed protests from retired military veterans who had threatened to occupy the FCT ministry should the soldier involved in the confrontation with Wike face disciplinary action.
On the nation’s security situation, Badaru disclosed that troops had neutralized over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000 suspects, and rescued about 10,000 hostages since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
He added that over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP members and their families had surrendered, noting that the coordinated operations had dismantled major terrorist strongholds and restored peace to hundreds of communities.
“In the South-South, over 1,900 illegal refining sites have been destroyed as part of efforts to protect Nigeria’s economic assets,” he said.
Badaru attributed these achievements to improved synergy among the armed forces and security agencies, as well as the President’s directive to sustain and intensify ongoing operations.
He also highlighted advancements in local defence production through the 2023 Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act and the acquisition of modern equipment, including Armoured Fighting Vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and naval vessels.
Meanwhile, Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, reacted to comments by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd.), over the land dispute that led to the incident.
Olayinka claimed that Gambo was deceived into purchasing land in Abuja that had been designated for park and recreational purposes.
In a post on his X handle, Olayinka alleged that the land was sold illegally by a private firm, Santos Estate Limited, which ignored a rejected request to convert it for residential use.
“Vice Admiral Gambo was scammed. He should go after those who sold the land meant for parks and recreation, not FCTA officials doing their jobs,” Olayinka stated.
He maintained that the disputed property was never approved for residential purposes and urged the former naval chief to direct his grievances at those who deceived him.
