Amanze Chinonye
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has assured that the Ministry of Defence and the Military High Command will protect every soldier performing lawful duties.
The assurance came during a ministerial press conference on the Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration and Remembrance Day, 2026, at the National Defence College in Abuja on Wednesday, where Badaru responded to journalists’ questions.
The query followed a Tuesday altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Navy Lieutenant A.M. Yerima over the development of a parcel of land in Abuja, allegedly owned by a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Gambo.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“Well, at the Ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” Badaru said.
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“We are looking into this issue, and we assure that any officer on lawful duty will be highly protected. We will not allow anything to happen to him so far he is doing his job, and he’s doing his job greatly well.”
Beyond addressing the incident, Badaru highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the welfare and professional standards of both serving and retired military personnel.
He described the armed forces as “the backbone of national stability” and said reforms were underway to modernise equipment and strengthen support for veterans.
“We value our officers and men. Their safety, honour, and welfare remain our top priority. We cannot allow them to be harassed while performing lawful duties,” he added.
Defence analysts have welcomed the minister’s comments, describing the intervention as critical for maintaining a clear boundary between civilian political authority and the chain of military command, while reinforcing institutional support for personnel carrying out legitimate duties.
Badaru’s statement signals the government’s commitment to both protecting its military officers and ensuring accountability within the armed forces.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
