Nigerian Navy Officer Blocks FCT Demolition, Sparks Nationwide Outcry

“Nigerian Navy Officer Lieutenant A.M. Yerima blocks FCT demolition of the former Chief of Naval Staff’s property in Abuja, igniting nationwide debate and going viral.”

Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, a Nigerian Navy officer, has become the center of national attention after a video circulated by Channels Television showed him confronting police officers during an alleged attempt by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to demolish the property of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).

In the viral footage, Lieutenant Yerima was seen leading a contingent of naval personnel who blocked the FCT demolition team from accessing the property reportedly owned by the retired naval chief. The tense encounter unfolded as FCT officials, accompanied by police officers, sought to enforce a demolition order allegedly issued over violations of development regulations.

During a heated exchange, one police officer was heard instructing Yerima to stand down. The naval officer resolutely refused, declaring, “Sir, I’m an officer, I have integrity. I will not shut up. I am a commissioned officer, Sir, you can’t shut me up.” His remarks highlighted his commitment to defending what he described as a matter of military dignity and lawful protection of his superior’s property.

Eyewitnesses reported that the standoff, which took place in an upscale area of Abuja, attracted a large crowd as Yerima and his men maintained their position, insisting that no demolition would proceed without proper military clearance.

The incident has since ignited widespread debate across Nigeria regarding the limits of ministerial authority, inter-agency coordination, and respect for institutional hierarchy.