BREAKING: Nigerian Police Releases Statement on Assassination Attempt on Lieutenant Yarima

• The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has released a statement on the reports that Navy officer Lt. Ahmed Yerima survived an assassination attempt in Abuja, describing the claims as “false” and “unverified.”

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has firmly dismissed media and social media reports alleging that Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja. The command described the claims as completely false and lacking any form of verification.

The reports, which circulated across several online platforms, alleged that Yerima was trailed by unknown men dressed in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates. According to those accounts, the pursuit allegedly began around 6:30 p.m. at the NIPCO filling station along the Kubwa Expressway and continued towards Gado Nasco Way. Yerima was said to have escaped through what was described as a “strategic manoeuvre” during a high-speed chase.

The claims quickly sparked speculation, with some commentators linking the alleged incident to Yerima’s recent confrontation with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land allocation in Abuja.

However, in a statement issued late Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, rejected the entire narrative. She stated that the police had not received or recorded any such report anywhere in the Federal Capital Territory.

“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima.

“The command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory.

“The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic,” the statement read.

DON’T MISS: BREAKING: Navy Officer, Lieutenant Yarima Escapes Assassination Attempt Days After Confronting Wike

Adeh further urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police division.

The controversy comes days after Yerima clashed with Minister Wike on November 11 over a disputed plot in Gaduwa District, reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd). Viral videos from the incident showed Yerima blocking the minister’s team from accessing the site while on security detail.

The confrontation, during which the minister berated the officer and called him a “fool,” ignited widespread debate. While some Nigerians argued that Wike was enforcing the law, several military veterans publicly supported Yerima and demanded an apology from the minister.

In a separate reaction, Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar assured Nigerians that no military personnel on lawful duty would face punishment, stating, “We will always protect officers on lawful duty.”