Badaru: FG Will Always Protect Officers on Lawful Duty, as Peter Obi Slams the System

Chuks Okocha and Linus Aleke in Abuja

Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to protecting and safeguarding officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria while performing their lawful duties.

Badaru cautioned against actions that could undermine the authority, professionalism, or dignity of uniformed personnel in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The statement followed a viral video showing Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, verbally assaulting a naval officer on guard duty at a disputed estate land in Abuja.

But a presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, described the altercation between Wike and the naval officer as reflective of a growing institutional decay in Nigeria.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja to officially flag-off the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), Badaru reiterated government’s resolve to ensure the protection of officers engaged in legitimate assignments.

He unveiled the theme of the 2026 remembrance celebrations as “Valour, Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” stating that it reflects the enduring spirit of courage, patriotism, and selfless service that define the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Badaru emphasised that every officer acting within the law and in service to the nation deserved full institutional protection from harassment, intimidation, or harm.

According to him, the Nigerian Armed Forces and related agencies operate strictly within constitutional boundaries to uphold national security, peace, and stability.

“Officers on lawful duty represent the authority of the Nigerian state and must be treated with respect and accorded the necessary support to discharge their responsibilities effectively,” he stated.

He added that the ministry would continue to strengthen internal mechanisms to ensure that officers remained disciplined, professional, and adequately protected while serving the nation.

The minister further appealed to public office holders and citizens to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that mutual respect, collaboration, and synergy among institutions of government are crucial for lasting peace and national development.

Badaru also announced that the federal government had initiated a programme, tagged, “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P),” which would deploy retired but agile military veterans to help secure and rehabilitate areas previously occupied by terrorists.

He said, “By engaging veterans to reinforce local security and initiate projects, such as farming and mining, RUSEB-P will prevent the resurgence of terrorism, revitalise local economies, and strengthen national security and cohesion.”

The minister launched the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, which would enable Nigerians at home and abroad to send personalised messages of appreciation to troops on the frontlines.

On the ongoing military operations nationwide, Badaru revealed that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, troops had neutralised more than 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested over 17,000 suspects, rescued nearly 10,000 hostages, and destroyed 1,900 illegal refining sites.

He added that over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, along with their families, had surrendered to Nigerian forces.

On the welfare of veterans, he disclosed that the ministry was establishing a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre, and had already enrolled 2,141 Civil War veterans, who had previously been ineligible for pension benefits.

He stated that the government planned to amend the Nigerian Legion Act and rename it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN), to better reflect its expanded role in supporting ex-service personnel.

Obi Blames Nation’s Institutional Disorder

Peter Obi described the altercation between Wike and a naval officer, Yarima, as a refelction of growing institutional decay in Nigeria.

Obi, in a statement, said, ‘’The recent needless altercation between the FCT Minister, HE, Barr. Nyesom Wike and a naval officer are yet another unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder in our country.

‘’What should ordinarily be a routine civic encounter has, once again, become a national embarrassment— a typical example coming out of a ‘disgraced country.

‘’Beyond the personalities involved, this incident raises fundamental questions that demand honest national reflection:

‘’Should the military be used for purely civil operations? If proper protocols were in place, should a Minister’s intervention in such a matter be in such an indecorous manner?

“Shouldn’t there be clear boundaries between administrative authority and the duties of security agencies?

‘’What does this say about our respect for institutions and the separation of powers? Why are our men and women in uniform so often drawn into civilian disputes? Why has the culture of due process and civility given way to public spectacle and confrontation?”

Obi added, ‘’If our institutions worked as they should, would tempers flare in situations that should be handled by clear procedure and hierarchy?

‘’Above all, what example do incidents like this set for our younger generation about leadership, discipline, and the rule of law?

‘’These are not just questions about one incident – they go to the very heart of how our nation is governed. When public officials act beyond institutional norms, and when security agencies are used in ways that blur their professional boundaries, we weaken both governance and public trust.

‘’We must learn from this episode. It is time to rebuild a nation where institutions are stronger than individuals; where public office is exercised with humility and restraint; where the dignity of our uniformed officers and the rights of every citizen are upheld.”

The former Anambra State governor also stated, “A country that aspires to greatness and feels insulted when referred to as a disgraced nation must replace the culture of impunity with the discipline of law, order, and respect for due process.

“Repeatedly, I have maintained that to occupy an office and be referred to as His Excellency, Distinguished or Honourable, how we get to such an office and our character and behaviour while holding it or out of it should reflect such exemplary titles in all ramifications.”