Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has assured that no officer or soldier carrying out lawful duties will face punishment over the recent altercation between troops and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking during the ministerial briefing to flag off activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College, Badaru reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting officers performing their duties within the law.
He stated, “We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty. Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and performing it well.”
Following the altercation, a coalition of retired military veterans had warned that its members would occupy the FCT Ministry if the officer involved—who was said to be acting under a lawful directive—was punished.
Addressing the nation’s security efforts, the minister commended the progress achieved under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, citing “improved synergy among the services and security agencies.”
“Within this administration’s tenure, our troops have neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000 suspects, and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages,” he said. “Over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their families have surrendered.”
He added that these coordinated operations have dismantled major terrorist enclaves, neutralised key bandit leaders, and restored peace to hundreds of communities, allowing displaced persons to return home.
Badaru also disclosed that in the South-South, troops destroyed more than 1,900 illegal refining sites, demonstrating the government’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s vital economic assets.
Highlighting recent strides in defence technology, he said the signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act in 2023 had positioned the country as a rising hub for indigenous defence production.
He further explained that the procurement of advanced military platforms, such as Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and naval vessels, would strengthen operational readiness and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
The minister emphasised that achieving lasting peace requires collective action, adding, “The task is not for the government alone. That is why we are promoting a whole-of-society approach that brings together government, civil society, traditional institutions, academia, and the private sector in a united front against insecurity.”
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Wike’s Aide Claims Ex-Naval Chief Was Scammed Over Disputed Abuja Land
Meanwhile, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has alleged that former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd), was deceived into purchasing land in Abuja that was originally designated for park and recreational purposes.
In a post on his X handle, Olayinka stated that Gambo and others were “duped” by individuals who sold the land despite its non-residential status.
He advised the retired naval officer to channel his anger toward those who sold the disputed property rather than officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) enforcing land-use regulations.
“Vice Admiral Gambo was scammed. He needs to use his military might against the person who sold land meant for park and recreation to him to build duplexes, not FCTA officials carrying out their lawful duties,” Olayinka wrote.
He explained that the land, initially allocated to Santos Estate Limited in 2007 for park and recreation purposes, was illegally sold after the company’s request to convert it to residential use was declined by the FCT minister in 2022.
“While awaiting approval for change of land use, the company partitioned the property and sold plots to unsuspecting buyers, including the former Chief of Naval Staff,” he said.
Olayinka concluded by saying that rather than “using military influence to hold on to a property obtained through deception,” the former naval chief should seek redress from those who defrauded him.
He also responded to comments by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), noting: “I read the statement made by Buratai. As Director General of Rotimi Amaechi’s campaign, he has done his job.”
