Lieut A.M. Yerima: The Naval Officer who defied pressure with honour

Lieutenant A.M. Yerima is a distinguished Nigerian naval officer whose composure, professionalism, and unwavering sense of duty have recently captured national attention. 

The young officer, who calmly stood his ground during a tense encounter with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in Abuja, has since earned widespread admiration across Nigeria for his discipline and restraint in the face of pressure.

Background

Born on July 20, 1992, in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria, Yerima grew up in a city steeped in military tradition, a background that later shaped his commitment to service and discipline.

Yerima began his higher education at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 2011, where he studied Mass Communication at the Faculty of Social Sciences. Among his classmates, he was fondly known as “MD”, remembered as tall, confident, and socially adept, with a deep sense of responsibility and calm leadership qualities.

Driven by a desire to serve his country, Yerima later transitioned from ABU to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), also in Kaduna, where he underwent rigorous military and academic training designed to instill leadership, honour, and loyalty. Upon completing his program, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy, officially beginning his military career.

Career path

Within the Navy, Yerima has consistently distinguished himself for his discipline, professionalism, and composure under pressure.

He serves in the Nigerian Special Boat Service (SBS), an elite maritime unit specializing in counterterrorism, reconnaissance, and high-risk rescue operations.

Over the years, he has participated in several national and international missions, including Exercise Flintlock 2018 in Agadez, Niger, a multinational special operations exercise bringing together African and Western forces to strengthen counterterrorism collaboration.

Yerima has also served aboard naval vessels such as the NNS Kada, where his colleagues describe him as “a fine gentleman whose humility reflects the dignity of the armed forces.” Now a member of the 64 Regular Course, the 33-year-old officer continues to uphold the Navy’s highest standards of conduct.

Yerima’s name rose to national prominence on November 11, 2025, following a widely circulated video showing a confrontation between him and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at Gaduwa District, Abuja.

Yerima and his team had been deployed to secure land reportedly belonging to former Chief of Naval Staff Awwal Zubairu Gambo when the minister arrived to enforce a demolition order.

Despite intense verbal pressure from the minister, Lieutenant Yerima stood firm but respectful, calmly stating, “I am not a fool, sir. I am acting on orders.”

His composure and refusal to be provoked won admiration from many Nigerians, who hailed his response as a model of discipline, restraint, and moral courage.

While the incident sparked debate over civil-military relations and the balance of authority between politicians and the armed forces, Yerima’s dignified conduct has earned him widespread respect, reinforcing the image of a young officer who embodies the Navy’s ideals of service, honour, and integrity.