Military Veterans Condemn Wike’s Confrontation with Naval Officer, Call for Respect for Chain of Command
Military Veterans Condemn Wike’s Confrontation with Naval Officer, Call for Respect for Chain of Command
Former military generals have voiced strong criticism over Tuesday’s altercation between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and a naval officer identified as A. Yerima, over alleged land disputes.
In an interview with Journalists on Wednesday, the veterans emphasized that such confrontations undermine the chain of command and respect for military institutions.
Following widespread outrage over the incident, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, announced that the ministry is investigating the matter. He reassured the public that the Armed Forces remain committed to protecting personnel engaged in lawful duties.
Speaking at a press briefing to kick off activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College in Abuja, the defence minister commended Yerima for maintaining composure during the confrontation.
“At the ministry and within the Armed Forces, we will always stand firm in safeguarding our officers on lawful duty,” Badaru stated. “We are examining this issue closely and assure that any officer performing their duties lawfully will be protected. We will not allow any harm to come to them as long as they are doing their jobs properly.”
The confrontation between Wike and the naval officer stemmed from a dispute over land ownership, which was being guarded by armed military personnel led by Yerima, under the instruction of a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).
Wike accused the ex-CNS of illegally claiming the land. A video circulated online showed the visibly angry minister confronting the officer.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, called on Wike to publicly apologize to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the military officer involved in the clash.
Buratai, who served as Army Chief from 2015 to 2021, condemned Wike’s conduct as inappropriate and disrespectful to the military.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday night, Buratai stated, “The events of November 11, 2025, involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, demand an immediate and serious response. His public disparagement of a uniformed officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces goes beyond misconduct; it threatens national security and institutional integrity.
“A minister verbally assaulting a military officer in uniform is a grave act of indiscipline that undermines our command structure, disrespects the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, and damages the morale of our personnel. Such actions threaten the very foundation of our national security.”
Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) emphasized that the incident underscores the importance of respecting proper channels within a democracy.
He explained, “The clash between Wike and the naval officer is about more than personalities; it highlights how power should be exercised properly. The officer was acting under lawful orders from his superior, the former Chief of Naval Staff. His duty was to obey the chain of command, not to act on political pressure.”
While acknowledging Wike’s right to inquire about the disputed land, Aro criticized the manner of approach.
“The minister could have raised questions through lawful means—such as writing to the Defence Minister, the Chief of Defence Staff, or pursuing legal action. Public confrontations that demean institutional respect send a dangerous message about internal disarray within the government.”
He further stated, “If this incident is not condemned publicly, it sets a harmful precedent for those risking their lives daily for Nigeria’s sovereignty. The military must remain disciplined, but civilian leaders must also demonstrate restraint and humility.”
Retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi condemned the incident sharply, saying, “I did not expect a minister to behave in that manner toward a commissioned officer. The military is not just any organization; it operates under the command of the President, the Commander-in-Chief. Any confrontation with a military officer is, in effect, a confrontation with the Commander-in-Chief and should never be tolerated.”
