The Nigerian Navy has confirmed the arrest of several of its personnel following a physical altercation with soldiers in Bayelsa State during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit on Friday.
The confrontation, which quickly circulated on social media, was captured in a 53-second video showing uniformed officers engaged in a heated exchange.
In the clip, a driver operating a Hilux vehicle marked “Naval Police” steps out to confront another driver, sparking a verbal dispute. Shortly after returning to his vehicle, a soldier armed with a rifle approaches and strikes the Naval Police driver, triggering a violent scuffle.
The incident soon escalated into a broader fight, with personnel from both sides exchanging blows as onlookers watched in shock.
The clash reportedly occurred as the President was departing the venue of an official engagement in the state. As of the time of this report, the exact cause of the confrontation had not been established.
Responding to the development on Saturday via his X account, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abi Folorunso, confirmed that those involved are now in custody and facing disciplinary action.
“The affected personnel are in custody and already undergoing appropriate administrative and disciplinary procedures in accordance with extant military regulations,” he wrote.
