Cynthia Ezegwu
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, on Wednesday announced that the ministry is investigating the confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, A. M. Yerima, over a disputed piece of land in Abuja.
Speaking during a press briefing to commence activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College, Abuja, Badaru assured that the Armed Forces would protect personnel carrying out lawful duties.
“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,” Badaru said.
The confrontation reportedly occurred on Tuesday when Wike visited the site, claiming that the military had taken over the land illegally. The land is said to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.). A video obtained by reporters showed Wike questioning the presence of armed personnel at the location.
Beyond the incident, Badaru used the briefing to unveil initiatives aimed at strengthening military operations, veteran welfare, and national security. He announced the launch of the Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P), which will deploy retired 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,” he said.
The minister also launched the Thank A Soldier QR Code, which allows Nigerians at home and abroad to send personalised messages of appreciation to troops on the frontlines.
On ongoing military operations, Badaru said that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, 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 added that over 100,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families had surrendered.
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Regarding veterans’ welfare, the minister revealed that the ministry is setting up a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre, enrolling 2,141 Civil War veterans who previously did not qualify for pension benefits. Plans are also underway to amend the Nigerian Legion Act and rename it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN).
Badaru further stated that the Defence Health Maintenance Limited now covers more than 400,000 enrollees, including 205,000 veterans and their families across the country.
He urged Nigerians to continue honouring troops 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.”