Defence Minister: We’ll stand firm behind every officer on lawful duty

Defence Minister: We’ll stand firm behind every officer on lawful duty

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has assured that the Federal Government will firmly protect every member of the Armed Forces carrying out lawful duties across the country.

Badaru gave the assurance on Wednesday while addressing journalists at a press conference to announce activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the National Defence College, Abuja.

His comments followed Tuesday’s altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, during an enforcement visit to a disputed plot of land in Abuja reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.).

Reacting to questions on the incident, Badaru reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding personnel performing legitimate duties.

“At the Ministry, and indeed in the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” the minister said.

“We are looking into the issue, and I assure you that any officer who is doing his job within the law will be fully protected. We will not allow anything to happen to him so long as he is doing his job well.”

The Defence Minister’s remarks are seen as a strong signal of support for discipline and professionalism within the military amid rising concerns about the treatment of security personnel on duty.