Mohammed Badaru, Minister of Defence, has applauded Lieutenant Yerima, the naval officer who stood up to the Minster of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike over disputed access to a parcel of land in Abuja.

The land allegedly belongs to former Chief of Naval Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.

Addressing journalists at a ministerial press briefing on the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration held on Wednesday, at the National Defence College, Abuja, the Ministers said the Federal Government will defend and protect every member of the Armed Forces performing their lawful duties.

“At the Ministry, and indeed within the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty.

“We will always protect our officer. He has done well. We won’t allow anything happen to him.

“We are looking into this issue, and I assure you that any officer performing his duty legitimately will be fully protected”, he stated.