Military Source Rules Out Sanctions For Officer Over Clash With Wike

Military Source Rules Out Sanctions For Officer Over Clash With Wike .
Senior officers say Wike’s confrontation violated military protocol and sparked public criticism.
Military leadership warns against politicising security procedures and command structures.

Navy Lieutenant A. M. Yerima is unlikely to face disciplinary action following his confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during an enforcement visit to a disputed property in Abuja.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, had earlier confirmed that the Federal Government opened an investigation into the incident. He noted, however, that no military personnel acting under lawful and approved orders would be sanctioned.

A senior military official who spoke with Punch on condition of anonymity explained that the Nigerian Armed Forces operate strictly within the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. According to the source, once troops are deployed under legitimate directives, their loyalty lies with their operational command and the Constitution.

The clarification came after former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), criticised Wike’s handling of the encounter and demanded that the minister apologise to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the affected officer. Buratai described Wike’s conduct as inappropriate and said such public confrontation with uniformed personnel sends the wrong message.

Multiple senior officers who spoke to our correspondent on Friday also confirmed that disciplinary action against Yerima has been ruled out. One senior source insisted that the lieutenant did not breach any military regulation, noting that he acted strictly under instructions issued by the military leadership.

The officer said the legality of military actions is determined by lawful orders, not by public perception. He added that an officer deployed on duty is obligated to maintain order, protect lives, and operate within rules of engagement anchored on constitutional authority.

Another senior official warned against politicising military procedures, describing such interference as harmful to command structures and Nigeria’s internal security management. Military sources stressed that the Armed Forces function on discipline, hierarchy, and adherence to lawful directives, not on public comparison of ranks or political influence.