By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, on Wednesday confirmed that the ministry is investigating a dispute between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and naval officer A. M. Yerima over a contested land in Abuja.
Addressing journalists at the National Defence College in Abuja during a briefing marking the start of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Badaru stressed that the Armed Forces will always protect personnel performing lawful duties.
He said, “Well, at the ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty.
“We are looking into this issue, and we assure all that any officer on lawful duty will be highly protected. We will not allow anything to happen to him so long as he is doing his job, and he is doing his job very well.”
The confrontation reportedly happened on Tuesday when Wike visited the site, claiming that the military had taken the land illegally. In a video seen by our correspondent, the minister appeared frustrated over the presence of armed personnel on the property, believed to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).
Beyond the incident, Badaru unveiled initiatives to enhance military operations, veteran welfare, and national security. He introduced the “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P),” which will engage retired military personnel in securing and rehabilitating areas previously controlled by terrorists.
“By engaging veterans to reinforce local security and initiate projects like farming and mining, RUSEB-P will prevent the resurgence of terrorism, revitalise local economies, and strengthen national security and cohesion,” he said.
The minister also launched the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, enabling Nigerians to send personalised messages of appreciation to troops.
On national security operations, Badaru highlighted that forces under President Bola Tinubu’s administration have neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000 suspects, rescued nearly 10,000 hostages, and destroyed 1,900 illegal refining sites. He added that over 100,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families have surrendered.
Regarding veterans’ welfare, he revealed that the ministry is creating a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre and has enrolled 2,141 Civil War veterans who were previously ineligible for pensions. Plans are also underway to amend the Nigerian Legion Act and rename it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN).
Badaru noted that Defence Health Maintenance Limited now covers more than 400,000 enrollees, including 205,000 veterans and their families. He called on Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of troops and fallen heroes.
“We must continue to honour gallant men and women who embody valour, discipline, and unity — the pillars of our democracy and sovereignty.”