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By Oscar Okhifo
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding members of the Armed Forces performing their lawful duties across the country.
He said the military authorities would not tolerate any form of intimidation or obstruction against officers acting within the limits of their professional responsibilities.
Badaru gave the assurance on Wednesday during a ministerial press briefing at the National Defence College, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration and Remembrance Day.
His comments followed the heated confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
Speaking to defence correspondents, the minister stressed that no officer performing legitimate duties would be left unprotected.
“Well, at the Ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” Badaru said.
“We are looking into this issue, and we assure that any officer who is doing his job lawfully and diligently will be highly protected. We will not allow anything to happen to him.”
Badaru’s remarks have further heightened public interest in the viral video of the altercation, which continues to generate widespread debate over the exercise of ministerial powers and the need to uphold the dignity and authority of uniformed personnel on legitimate duty.