A. M. Yerima Biography: Discover the biography of Lieutenant A. M. Yerima — a Nigerian Navy officer from Kaduna, his education, military career, age, and the recent high-profile confrontation that brought him national attention.
Lieutenant A. M. Yerima is a Nigerian naval officer whose name entered the national spotlight following a controversial confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). While still relatively young in his career, he has served in the elite units of the Nigerian Navy and exemplifies discipline, training and the complex interplay between military duty and civilian authority.
Born and raised in Kaduna State, Yerima’s path took him from university studies through military academy training and into the Special Boat Service branch of the Nigerian Navy. In November 2025, his firm refusal to allow access to a disputed parcel of land in Abuja during a ministerial visit thrust him into public discourse about civil-military relations in Nigeria.
This biography explores his early life, education, career progress, notable incident, personal background and what his story says about military service in contemporary Nigeria.
Highlights of This Biography
- Full Name: A. M. Yerima
- Date of Birth: July 20, 1992
- Place of Birth: Kaduna State, Nigeria
- Profession: Lieutenant, Nigerian Navy (Elite Unit – Special Boat Service)
- Education: Mass Communication at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria; training at Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)
- Age: 33 years (in 2025)
- Known For: The 11 November 2025 land-access confrontation involving the FCT Minister
- Notable Service: Multi-national exercise participation (Exercise Flintlock 2018) and service aboard the NNS Kada
Early Life
Lieutenant A. M. Yerima was born on July 20, 1992, in Kaduna State, which lies in north-western Nigeria. Growing up in a city with strong military traditions and diverse communities, Yerima developed an early sense of discipline and leadership. Friends and neighbours describe him as tall, confident and focused from a young age.
In his formative years, Yerima displayed keen interest in public service, academics and the potential of serving Nigeria through uniformed duty. His background from Kaduna helped provide a foundation of resilience and adaptability necessary for later military training.
Education
Yerima’s higher-education journey began at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he enrolled in 2011 to study Mass Communication, within the Faculty of Social Sciences. During this period, he was known to his peers by the nickname “MD” and was recognised for social skills, ease with language and interest in current affairs.
After his time at ABU, Yerima transferred to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, where he underwent rigorous military and academic training. At the NDA he embraced the values of leadership, loyalty and service. Upon commissioning into the Nigerian Navy, he moved into operational roles and eventually into the elite Special Boat Service (SBS) – a specialised maritime operations unit.
Career / Professional Journey
Lieutenant Yerima began his career in the Nigerian Navy after completing his NDA training. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant and assigned to the SBS, which handles maritime counter-terrorism, reconnaissance and high-risk rescue missions. His service has included:
- Serving aboard the NNS Kada, a Nigerian Navy vessel, where he gained operational experience.
- Participating in Exercise Flintlock (2018) in Agadez, Niger — a multinational special operations exercise aimed at improving regional counter-terrorism capacities.
- Being recognised by peers for professionalism, calm under pressure and adherence to chain of command.
His upward trajectory reflects his commitment, though his public prominence came primarily due to a singular incident in 2025 rather than a long list of senior commands or decorations.
The 2025 Confrontation Incident
On 11 November 2025, Lieutenant Yerima became widely known after a heated face-off with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. At a contested land site at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, Yerima led a team of naval personnel who prevented Wike and FCT Authority officials from accessing the property. Reports indicate the land was linked to a retired Chief of Naval Staff.
During the exchange, Wike demanded access and presented his authority to enforce a stop-work order. Yerima replied calmly, “I am acting on orders,” emphasising his adherence to his chain of command. The clash raised national debate about military involvement in civilian land disputes, respect for chain of command, land governance in the FCT and military-civilian protocol.
Reactions were mixed. Some praised Yerima for poise and discipline; others criticised him for obstructing a minister acting in official capacity. Legal experts warned the incident might set troubling precedents for military – civil authority boundaries.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As a mid-career naval officer, Lieutenant Yerima’s net worth is modest compared to public figures or business elites. His income is largely driven by military salary and allowances, and there are no credible reports of significant private business ventures or endorsements. His lifestyle is reportedly disciplined and service-oriented, anchored in duty, training and operational commitments rather than display of wealth.
Personal Life
Yerima keeps his personal life largely private. His roots in Kaduna State and earlier peers at ABU speak of his down-to-earth personality, quiet confidence and strong sense of duty. Outside of uniform, he is described as focused, respectful and resilient. At the time of writing, there is no widely available information about his marital status or children.
His recent surge in visibility places him under increased public scrutiny, but he appears to maintain professional composure and a preference to let his military service speak for him.
Conclusion
Lieutenant A. M. Yerima’s biography presents a compelling portrait of a young Nigerian Navy officer rising through education and military training to serve his country in an elite capacity. His recent prominence, triggered by a high-profile confrontation, has cast him into national discussion about military discipline, civilian authority and property governance in Nigeria’s capital region.
While his career is still unfolding, Yerima’s disciplined approach, operational experience and public moment suggest someone poised for further responsibility. At the same time, his story spotlights deep systemic questions: how the military intersects with civilian governance, how lands are regulated in Abuja, and how young officers navigate complex command structures in the public eye.
His legacy remains in development, but already he stands as a symbol of professional military duty in modern Nigeria’s evolving institutional landscape.
FAQs About A. M. Yerima
What is A. M. Yerima’s age?
He was born on July 20, 1992, making him 33 years old in 2025.
What is his rank in the Nigerian Navy?
He holds the rank of Lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy and is attached to the Special Boat Service (SBS) unit.
Where did he study?
He studied Mass Communication at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, before attending the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.
What major incident brought him into prominence?
On November 11, 2025, he clashed with the FCT Minister during a land-access enforcement at Gaduwa, Abuja, leading to national attention.
What does the Special Boat Service do?
The SBS is the Nigerian Navy’s elite maritime operations unit, responsible for counter-terrorism, reconnaissance and high-risk missions.
Has he been recognised or decorated for his service?
While there are no widely publicised major awards, he is recognised within service circles for professionalism and operational experience, including international exercises.
Is his net worth known?
No public, verified figure exists; as a serving officer his net worth remains modest and is based on official salary and allowances rather than commercial ventures.