Facts about Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, the Nigerian officer who engaged in a standoff with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have emerged.

Lieutenant Yerima went viral on social media on Tuesday, November 11, after he denied Wike and his entourage access to a parcel of land in the Gaduwa district of Abuja.

After an intense standoff, the FCT Minister accused the officers of acting with impunity.

“This is unprofessional. You cannot be threatening a minister like this,” one of the officials accompanying Wike told the soldiers as the minister and his team tried to gain access to the land.

Unhappy with the development, the minister questioned the actions of the military officers, saying no one is above the law.

The video, which has since dominated both social and traditional media, has generated several reactions, with many applauding Lieutenant Yerima for his professionalism.

According to available information as of Wednesday morning, Yerima’s profile became the most searched in Nigeria on Tuesday. Below are some facts about him:

1)Yerima was born on July 20, 1992, in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

2) He grew up in Kaduna city, Kaduna State.

3) From a young age, he demonstrated discipline and quiet determination, traits that later defined his life in uniform.

4) He was admitted to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 2011 to study Mass Communication in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

5) He later moved to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

6) Lieutenant Yerima, 33, has been attached to elite units and is known to operate with the Special Boat Service — the Navy’s special operations wing.

7) He served aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Kada and took part in international exercises that strengthened his operational experience, including Exercise Flintlock in 2018, held in Agadez, Niger.

8) The land Wike sought to take over was reportedly acquired 15 years ago, according to a lawyer familiar with the matter.

9) Over the years, Yerima has earned recognition within military circles for his professionalism, discipline, and commitment to lawful conduct.

10) His career trajectory — transitioning from a civilian university programme to full military training and special operations service — reflects a clear focus on duty, resilience, and tactical excellence.