JUST IN: Police Speak On Alleged Assassination Attempt On Naval Officer In Face-Off With Wike

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that a Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, survived an assassination attempt in Abuja, describing the story as false, misleading, and entirely unverified.

Over the weekend, several online platforms and social media users circulated reports alleging that Yerima was trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates.

The alleged pursuit was said to have begun around 6:30 p.m. at the NIPCO filling station along the Kubwa Expressway and continued to Gado Nasco Way, with Yerima reportedly escaping through a “strategic manoeuvre.”

The speculation intensified due to Yerima’s recent clash with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over a disputed plot of land in the Gaduwa District. Viral videos had shown Yerima, who was on security detail, blocking the minister’s convoy from accessing the site, leading to a heated confrontation in which Wike berated the officer and questioned his authority.

But in a statement issued on Sunday night, the FCT Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, debunked the alleged assassination plot, insisting that no such incident was reported or recorded within the territory.

“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima. The command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement read.

Adeh urged members of the public to disregard the claim, warning that the circulation of unverified information is capable of causing unnecessary panic. She further encouraged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police division.

Yerima’s confrontation with Wike on November 11 stemmed from a disputed land reportedly belonging to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd). While Wike accused the retired military chief of carrying out illegal development, military veterans rallied behind Yerima, insisting he acted within his duties and rejecting any calls for disciplinary action.

In a separate assurance, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, stated that no lawful military personnel would face sanctions, adding “We will always protect officers on lawful duty” during a briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.