Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has debunked widespread reports claiming that Lieutenant A.M. Yerima the naval officer recently involved in a public confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was the target of an assassination attempt in the Kubwa area of Abuja.
Viral posts on Sunday alleged that two unmarked white Hilux vans trailed Lt. Yerima from the NIPCO Station along the Kubwa Motorway through Gado Nasko Road around 6 p.m., forcing him to take evasive action.
However, in a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, dismissed the claims as false and unreported.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications 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,” she said.
READ ALSO: Navy Officer Lt. Yerima Reportedly Survives Assassination Attempt in Abuja
Adeh urged residents to disregard the claims and avoid circulating unverified information capable of creating panic. Emergency hotlines were also issued for swift reporting of suspicious activities.
The command clarified that an unrelated stop-and-search operation involving an ash-coloured Toyota Camry with a concealed number plate and tinted windows may have been misrepresented online. Police said the driver refused to identify himself and made several calls before three naval personnel arrived and identified him as a colleague, after which the encounter ended peacefully.
Despite the police rebuttal, various media sources reports that military authorities deployed personnel and eight patrol vehicles to the Gado Nasko Road axis on Sunday night, a move seen as a precaution amid concerns linked to Lt. Yerima’s safety.
Military sources reportedly confirmed that the trailing incident is under investigation to identify those in the unmarked vans.
The conflicting accounts come amid heightened public attention on Lt. Yerima following his heated exchange with Minister Wike in Gaduwa earlier this month, an incident that triggered political and institutional reactions nationwide.
While the police insist no assassination attempt occurred, the military has yet to issue a definitive position, and investigations remain ongoing. Authorities urged residents to stay calm, cooperate with security personnel, and avoid spreading misinformation.
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.
