Fresh tension has emerged within Nigeria’s security circles following an incident involving a Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, who reportedly survived an attempt to intimidate him by suspected police operatives on Sunday Evening.
According to eyewitness accounts, Lt. Yerima had sensed for days that he was being watched and followed at different locations.
His suspicion intensified when he noticed a pattern suggesting that some police officers were trailing his movements.
The situation escalated along a highway when a police pickup truck abruptly sped toward his vehicle, swerved in front of him, and blocked his path.
The officers allegedly confronted him aggressively, shouting, “You’re the one who embarrassed Wike and the police force!”
Recognizing imminent danger, Lt. Yerima activated his panic button, instantly alerting the Navy, the Army, and the wider military security network. He secured himself while awaiting backup.
Within minutes, military personnel arrived in large numbers. The police officers, realizing reinforcement was on the way, reportedly fled the scene immediately.
According to reports obtained by The News Chronicle on Monday, Security sources revealed that the military later traced the officers back to their station.
An internal investigation is now underway to determine who ordered the trailing and attempted obstruction of Lt. Yerima.
The incident comes in the wake of an earlier confrontation involving the officer and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a development that has sparked speculation about possible motives.
Observers fear that some supporters of the minister may be targeting Lt. Yerima.
However, they warn that such actions could escalate tensions, noting that Yerima is not a civilian but a senior military officer whose safety carries national security implications.
As investigations continue, many Nigerians are calling for transparency and full protection for Lt. Yerima, emphasizing that no security officer should be targeted for doing their duty.
