By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A Nigerian Navy officer who recently clashed with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike escaped a suspected assassination attempt on Sunday, according to military sources.

Lt. A.M. Yarima was reportedly trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and travelling in two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, the sources said.

The vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO filling station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way at about 6:30 p.m.

A military source who spoke with Vanguard said the officer noticed the surveillance and carried out a “strategic manoeuvre” to evade the suspected attackers. The incident is now under investigation, and further details are being withheld to avoid compromising the process.

The alleged attempt comes days after Yarima was involved in a tense confrontation with Wike at a disputed land site in the Gaduwa District. The exchange, captured on video, drew widespread public attention and led the Presidency to halt a demolition exercise at the location.

Military veterans across the country have since criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer during the encounter. The Coalition of Retired Veterans warned that its members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if Yarima were punished.

“Military personnel swear allegiance to Nigeria, not to individuals,” the group’s spokesman, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, said, insisting that Wike must apologise for his comments, including calling the officer “a fool.”

Defence Minister Mohammad Badaru Abubakar has assured that no service member will be sanctioned for acting within the law.

“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” he said during a briefing ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Veterans had earlier vowed to mobilise if any disciplinary action was taken against Yarima.

The people and government of Angola have paid tribute to Nigeria’s late former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, in recognition of his historic contributions to Angola’s independence and Nigeria’s enduring commitment to African solidarity.

According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday to honour and recognise the late former Head of State, Angola also honoured former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Minister of External Affairs, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, acknowledging Nigeria’s pivotal  support during Angola’s liberation struggle against Portuguese colonial rule in the mid-1970s.

The award ceremony took place in Angola’s capital, Luanda, as part of the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

According to the statement, during a time when Angola faced economic blockades and international isolation, Nigeria, under Muhammed’s leadership, was among the first nations to recognise the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) government, stressing that Nigeria also provided a financial lifeline of $17 million to help Angola rebuild and resist external pressures.

Speaking at the event, President of the Angola–Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tangyalamba Veloso, lauded Muhammed’s courage and foresight.

She highlighted his bold stance in 1975, when he declared Angola’s government legitimate despite Cold War tensions and opposition from Western powers, positioning Nigeria as a moral voice for the continent.

He told the oil companies, if you pull out of Angola and don’t give them back their resources, you will also pull out from Nigeria and lose all your money. You won’t have Angola nor Nigeria to help your finances,” she said.

Her tribute emphasised that Muhammed’s actions not only provided immediate support but also shaped the course of Angola’s history.

“He was the first to provide financial assistance $17 million, and the first president to recognize Angola as an independent country,” Veloso said, drawing applause from attendees.

The ceremony served as both a celebration of Angola’s independence and a reminder of Nigeria’s historic leadership and solidarity across Africa.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Kabiru Turaki SAN has been announced as the winner of the PDP National Chairmanship election. He secured the position with a total of 1,516 votes, surpassing Senator Lado, who received 275 votes.

The 68 years old Turaki was born and raised in Nigeria where he studied law at the University of Jos. He had served as a Minister of Special Project and Government Affairs from 2013–2015.

However, several of court injunctions decreed that the party must not hold convention until certain conditions are met, and at the same time, granting them permission to do so. These disputing judgements, and amongst other issues, have factionalised the party. With some members adhering to the former court rulings, while others stand by the latter verdict.