Military Officers On Lawful Duty Will Be Protected — Defence Minister

Defence Minister Reaffirms Protection for Military Officers on Lawful Duty

In a firm declaration during a ministerial press briefing held at the National Defence College in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, emphasized the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government and the Military High Command to protect all officers engaged in lawful duties.

This assurance came in the wake of a publicized altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Navy Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, which occurred over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).

The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, sparked widespread concern and prompted reactions from various quarters, including a coalition of retired military veterans who expressed their disapproval of any perceived intimidation of serving officers.

Addressing these concerns, Defence Minister Badaru unequivocally stated that no officer or soldier performing their duties within the bounds of the law would be punished or left unprotected. He reiterated that the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Armed Forces, stands resolute in safeguarding the integrity and operational freedom of its personnel.

Badaru’s remarks were made during the commencement of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel. He stressed that the government would not tolerate any form of harassment or obstruction against officers who are lawfully executing their responsibilities. “At the ministry and indeed the armed forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” he declared. “Rest assured that any officer on lawful duty will be protected. I will not allow anything to happen to any officer doing his job and doing his job credibly well.”

The Defence Minister’s statement serves not only as a reassurance to serving officers but also as a signal to the public and other government officials that the military’s operational mandate must be respected. His comments underscore the importance of maintaining discipline, order, and respect for lawful authority within the country’s governance framework.

The Ministry is reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding the confrontation to ensure that justice and accountability prevail.

This development has reignited discussions about civil-military relations in Nigeria, particularly regarding the boundaries of authority and the protection of military personnel from undue political interference.

As the Armed Forces Remembrance Day approaches, the Defence Minister’s pledge reinforces the nation’s commitment to honoring and upholding the dignity of its servicemen and women.