Ahmed Yerima (Lieutenant) is a Nigerian naval officer, born and raised in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria, Yerima grew up in a city with a strong military tradition.
He began his higher education journey at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he was admitted in 2011 into the Faculty of Social Sciences.
During his time at ABU, he initially studied Mass Communication and was known among his classmates by the nickname “MD”.
His peers recall him as tall, lanky, and confident, with strong social skills and a deep sense of responsibility.
Yerima later transitioned from ABU to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), also in Kaduna. At the NDA, he underwent rigorous military and academic training designed to instill the values of leadership, honour, and loyalty.
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Upon successful completion of his training, Yerima was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy, marking the official start of his military service.
Within the Navy, Yerima distinguished himself through professionalism, dedication, and calm under pressure.
He serves in the Nigerian Special Boat Service (SBS), an elite unit responsible for specialized maritime operations including counterterrorism, reconnaissance, and high-risk rescue missions.
Over the years, Yerima has participated in several national and international military assignments.
Notably, in 2018, he took part in Exercise Flintlock, a multinational special operations exercise held in Agadez, Niger, which brought together African and Western forces for joint training in counterterrorism and crisis response.
Yerima’s career has also seen him serve aboard naval vessels such as the NNS Kada, where colleagues described him as “a fine gentleman” whose discipline and humility reflect the dignity of the Nigerian armed forces.
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Throughout his service, he has earned a reputation for integrity, respect, and commitment to the chain of command.
His name came to national prominence on November 11, 2025, following a widely publicized confrontation with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at Gaduwa District, Abuja.
Yerima and his team had been deployed to secure a parcel of land reportedly belonging to Awwal Zubairu Gambo, a former Chief of Naval Staff.
When Wike arrived with officials and security personnel to enforce a demolition order, the young naval officer stood firm, refusing access to the property and calmly explaining that he was acting on orders from a superior officer.
The tense verbal exchange was captured on video and quickly went viral across Nigeria.
Despite the minister’s repeated verbal aggression, Yerima maintained composure and respect, replying, “I am not a fool, sir. I am acting on orders.”
His measured response to provocation was celebrated as a display of restraint, discipline, and moral courage. Yet others have criticized his actions and have pointed to it as indicator of deeper issue with the political class and military rank relationship.
Checks by BusinessDay reveal that Mohammed Yerima (Brigadier General, rtd), a seasoned Nigerian Army officer and one of Nigeria’s most experienced military public relations professionals, is the father of A.M. Yerima.
With career spanning more than three decades, Yerima has held several key information and communication roles within Nigeria’s defence establishment.
Appointed as the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR) in February 2021, Yerima succeeded Saghir Musa (Brigadier General) in leading the Army’s media and information management efforts.
His appointment marked a return to a familiar terrain, as he had previously served as Director of Defence Information (DDI) between 2009 and 2013, where he was credited with strengthening the Defence Headquarters’ communication strategy during critical national security operations.
Before his 2021 appointment, Yerima also served as the Deputy Director of Reserve at the Defence Headquarters, a role that further deepened his understanding of strategic military coordination and personnel management.
A career communicator, Yerima was commissioned into the Corps of Army Public Relations in October 1989, following his successful completion of military training.
His professional journey reflects a consistent dedication to bridging the gap between the Nigerian military and the public through effective, credible, and transparent communication.
Educationally, Yerima holds a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions.
Beyond his military duties, Yerima is an active member of professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the African Public Relations Association (APRA).
