We’ll Defend Every Officer on Lawful Duty, Says Minister of Defence, Badaru

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding all members of the armed forces carrying out lawful duties.

Speaking at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration and Remembrance Day, Badaru emphasized that the Ministry of Defence and the military leadership would ensure the protection of every officer acting within the law.

His statement followed an incident on Tuesday involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a Navy Lieutenant over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja said to be linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.

“We will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” Badaru stated. “We are looking into the matter, and I assure you that any officer doing his job lawfully will be given full protection. We will not allow anything to happen to him as long as he carries out his duty diligently.”