The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismissed widespread reports claiming that a Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, survived an assassination attempt in Abuja, insisting the story is entirely false.
The rumours circulated across several online platforms and social media over the weekend, alleging that Yerima was trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and driving two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates. According to the claims, the pursuit reportedly began around 6:30 p.m. at the NIPCO filling station along the Kubwa Expressway and continued through Gado Nasco Way before the officer allegedly escaped through a “strategic manoeuvre.”
The speculation intensified as some commentators linked the supposed incident to Yerima’s recent confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land allocation in Gaduwa District.
However, in a statement issued Sunday night, the FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, debunked the story, stressing that no such assassination attempt in Abuja was reported or recorded.
“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 statement read.
“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.”
Adeh encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police division.
Gistmania earlier reported that Yerima clashed with Minister Wike on November 11 over a plot of land said to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd). Viral videos showed Yerima, while on security duty, blocking the minister’s team from accessing the site. The altercation prompted heated public debate, with some defending Wike’s authority and others backing the military officer.
In a separate assurance, Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar noted that no military personnel acting lawfully would face sanctions, adding: “We will always protect officers on lawful duty.”