Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding members of the Nigerian Armed Forces while performing their lawful duties.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday at the National Defence College in Abuja, which marked the commencement of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Abubakar stressed that no officer carrying out legitimate assignments would be left unprotected.
“At the ministry and indeed the armed forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” he stated. “Rest assured that any officer on lawful duty will be protected. I will not allow anything to happen to any officer doing his job and doing his job credibly well.”
His remarks come on the heels of a heated confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, his entourage, and some soldiers on Tuesday in Abuja. The altercation occurred when soldiers reportedly stopped Wike from accessing a disputed parcel of land in the Gaduwa district.
Wike, visibly displeased by the incident, questioned the soldiers’ presence at the site, insisting that no one is above the law. He also alleged that the land’s development had not followed due process.
The Defence Minister’s statement is seen as a response to the controversy, reinforcing the government’s position that officers performing official duties within the ambit of the law must be accorded full protection and respect.
Abubakar’s reassurance underscores the ministry’s determination to maintain discipline within the ranks while ensuring that lawful military operations are not compromised by external interference.
What You Should Know
Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar’s remarks come amid rising tensions following an altercation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and military personnel in Abuja.
His declaration serves as a strong message that the Federal Government stands firmly behind officers lawfully executing their duties.
The statement also reinforces President Bola Tinubu’s broader security agenda, emphasizing professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rule of law within the armed forces and across all sectors of government.
