The year 2025 was marked by significant events that captured the attention of Nigerians nationwide. Among the most discussed were stories involving members of the armed forces, whose personal and professional actions sparked widespread debate, outrage, and reflection. From tragic domestic incidents to high-profile confrontations and international geopolitical stances, these individuals found themselves at the centre of media storms.
Tragedy and Controversy on the Home Front
The Nigerian public was plunged into shock on September 22, 2025, following reports of a horrific incident involving Lieutenant Samson Haruna. According to widespread media accounts, the military officer was allegedly set ablaze by his wife following a domestic dispute at their home.
Initial reports indicated that Lt. Haruna sustained severe burn injuries and was first treated at a hospital within a military barracks before being transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) for more advanced care. While it was widely rumoured that his wife poured petrol on him during an argument, no official security report confirmed this claim with concrete evidence at the time.
The nation's hope for his recovery was cut short when his death was confirmed. On October 6, 2025, Lieutenant Samson Haruna succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the alleged fire incident, leaving many Nigerians in mourning and raising difficult questions about domestic violence within military families.
A Confrontation with Power in Abuja
While the nation was still reeling from Haruna's death, another military officer seized headlines for a dramatic confrontation with political authority. On November 11, 2025, a naval officer, later identified as Lieutenant Yerima, stopped the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from accessing a property in the Gaduwa area of Abuja.
The incident, reported by Premium Times, saw Minister Wike react strongly to being blocked. He was quoted as saying, "You cannot carry a gun to intimidate anybody. I am not one of those that can be intimidated." He further expressed his dismay that a person in uniform would not follow proper channels.
In his defence, Lt. Yerima stated that he was merely carrying out orders from his superior officer. The exchange grew more tense when the officer retorted, "I'm not a fool, sir," a moment that was captured on video and quickly went viral. The event sparked a fierce national debate on the limits of authority, the chain of command, and the relationship between the military and civilian leadership.
Soldiers Abroad: Loyalty and Geopolitical Tensions
The narrative of Nigerian military personnel in the news took an international turn in late 2025, influenced by global politics. The situation gained momentum after former US President Donald Trump threatened the Nigerian government over allegations of genocide against Christians by terrorist groups, hinting at potential military action.
In response, a Nigerian-born soldier serving in the British Army issued a viral statement on November 2, 2025. Hailing from Ekiti State, the soldier declared he would refuse any order to fight in Nigeria, stating he would rather quit the military. He emphasized that Nigeria was his home country and his hope, and he could not bear arms against it, even if the stated target was terrorists.
Similarly, a Nigerian serving in the United States military stirred controversy online. On December 26, 2025, the soldier, using the handle @Horiyourme, posted a cryptic message suggesting President Trump had approved a military strike on a terrorist camp in Nigeria as a "holiday strike," telling Nigerians to expect shocking news.
Hours later, international reports confirmed that a US military strike had targeted an ISIS terrorist base in Sokoto State, Nigeria. The soldier's prior social media post, which seemed to predict the event, sparked widespread reactions and debates about sovereignty, the role of foreign intervention, and the ethics of serving soldiers commenting on sensitive operations.
These four stories, spanning personal tragedy, institutional friction, and complex national loyalty, defined a significant portion of Nigeria's news cycle in 2025. They highlighted the multifaceted lives of military personnel, the intense scrutiny they face, and the deep emotional responses their actions evoke from the Nigerian public.
