Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, on Wednesday, commended Lieutenant Yerima, the Naval officer who resisted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over access to a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.

In a viral video on Tuesday, the officer and the FCT minister were seen engaged in a heated exchange that degenerated into verbal attacks.

The development has since been generating reactions across the country.

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

He stated that the government will continue to protect all its officers noting that the officers involved and nothing will happen to him.

Badaru also disclosed that the incident is currently being investigated, stating that the Nigerian government will not allow anything to happen to Officer Yerima.

He added that the issue involved is being looked into and assured that any officer performing his duty legitimately will be fully protected.