Military clash in Bayelsa: Naval officers arrested after brawl during Bola Tinubu’s visit

The Nigerian Navy has arrested personnel involved in a clash with soldiers in Bayelsa State during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on Friday.

A viral video captured the moment officers dressed in military uniforms engaged in a physical fight as tensions escalated into a full-blown brawl.
In the footage, a driver of a Hilux vehicle marked ‘Naval Police’ was seen stepping out of his vehicle and engaging in a heated argument with an occupant of another car. He later returned to his vehicle, after which a soldier carrying a rifle approached and threw a punch.
The situation quickly deteriorated, with tempers flaring and a chaotic melee breaking out in public view, including the use of cudgels.
The incident reportedly occurred as the President was departing from the venue of an event.
The clash has since sparked widespread criticism among Nigerians, many of whom described it as a sign of indiscipline within the military ranks.
Reacting to the development in a post on X on Saturday, the Director of Naval Information, Abi Folorunso, confirmed that the officers involved have been taken into custody and are currently undergoing disciplinary procedures.
“The affected personnel are in custody and already undergoing appropriate administrative and disciplinary procedures in accordance with extant military regulations,” he stated.