Did Lieutenant Yerima Escape An Assassination Attempt? What You Should Know

On Sunday, November 16, around 6:30 p.m., unconfirmed military reports alleged that Lieutenant Ahmed Mohammed Yerima was tailed by unidentified men dressed in black and driving two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates.

The vans allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Kubwa Expressway, through Kubwa’s major road network, and down to Gado Nasco Way.

According to those early accounts, Yerima noticed the suspicious trail and executed what was described as a “strategic maneuver” to lose the vehicles.

Security sources claimed that the Navy immediately launched an internal probe, though little information has been released due to operational restrictions.

The reports quickly gained traction online. Many Nigerians speculated whether the alleged pursuit was linked to the viral clash with Wike just days earlier. Following the claims, additional uniformed patrols were reportedly stationed around Yerima’s residence as a precautionary measure.

Who Is Yerima?

Lieutenant Ahmed Mohammed Yerima is a rising Nigerian Navy officer in his late 20s or early 30s. He studied Mass Communication at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before proceeding to the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna for military training.

He became widely known on November 11, 2025, after a viral confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at Plot 1946 in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.

The land, located in Cadastral Zone B13, is reportedly linked to the retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.

In the video that spread across social media, Yerima calmly stood his ground as Wike confronted the naval team enforcing a stop-work order. The officer’s remark, “I’m an officer; I have my integrity,” struck a chord with Nigerians. Many praised his composure, professionalism, and refusal to be intimidated.

Veterans and serving senior officers publicly backed him, while Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar promised that the military would protect personnel carrying out lawful duties.

For clarity, Yerima has no familial relationship with retired Army spokesman Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yerima.

FCT Police Position On The Matter

The FCT Police Command issued a strong and direct denial. In a Monday statement, spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh stated that no such incident was recorded in any part of Abuja.

She described the circulating claims of an assassination attempt as “false information” pushed by social media publications without verification.

According to the FCT police, there was no complaint filed, no call made to any division, and no evidence suggesting the alleged tailing ever occurred. Adeh cautioned the public to stop spreading misleading or sensational claims capable of triggering unnecessary tension in the capital.

She reiterated that the Command remains vigilant and fully committed to residents’ safety, urging anyone who notices suspicious activity to report to the nearest police station rather than rely on unverified online reports.

Some observers note that the police denial may heighten the already visible tension between police authorities and the military, especially given the military’s earlier support for Yerima in the Gaduwa incident.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command also dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima, describing the claims as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary tension among residents.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command clarified that no such incident was reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory, urging members of the public to disregard what it termed a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation.

“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima. The Command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory. The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic,” the statement read.

The Command further advised residents to remain calm, vigilant, and responsible in their use of social media, stressing that the spread of unverified security alerts undermines public peace and safety.

For emergency situations or to report suspicious activities, the Command urged residents to contact the nearest police division or reach the Command Headquarters through its dedicated emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311 for swift response.

The statement was signed by SP Josephine Adeh, ANIPR, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, on 16th November 2025.

Has Yerima Said Anything About It?

As of November 17, 2025, Lt. A.M. Yerima has not released any public statement about the alleged assassination attempt. He has not posted on social media, granted interviews, or commented through official military channels.

His silence aligns with standard protocol during internal military investigations, where officers are generally discouraged from making public remarks until authorized.

For now, the only confirmed position remains the police statement dismissing the incident, while military sources continue to talk cautiously behind the scenes.