Navy Detains Personnel Following Altercation with Soldiers During Presidential Visit to Bayelsa

YENAGOA – The Nigerian Navy has confirmed the arrest and detention of several personnel involved in a physical confrontation with fellow security operatives during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Bayelsa State on Friday.

The incident, which was captured in a 53-second video that has since gone viral, shows a breakdown of discipline between uniformed officers. The footage depicts a verbal dispute between a driver of a "Naval Police" Hilux vehicle and another individual. The situation turned violent when a soldier armed with a rifle struck the Naval Police driver, sparking a widespread scuffle between personnel from both services.

The clash occurred as the presidential motorcade was reportedly departing the venue of an official engagement. While the specific cause of the provocation remains unclear, the sight of high-ranking security elements trading blows in public caused significant alarm among onlookers and guests.

Official Response and Disciplinary Action

In a statement released Saturday via X (formerly Twitter), the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abi Folorunso, assured the public that the Navy is taking the matter seriously. He confirmed that the individuals identified in the footage have been neutralized from active duty pending an investigation.

“The affected personnel are in custody and already undergoing appropriate administrative and disciplinary procedures in accordance with extant military regulations,” Folorunso stated.

Upholding Military Conduct

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct, especially during high-profile assignments involving the Presidency.

The military high command is expected to conduct a joint review of the incident to prevent future friction between service branches during inter-agency operations. The detained officers now face potential sanctions under the Armed Forces Act, which governs acts of indiscipline and public misconduct.