Army and Navy Personnel Clash in Fisticuffs During Tinubu Visit to Bayelsa

A shocking public altercation broke out between personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy on Friday during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Bayelsa State, forcing military authorities to order the immediate detention of all officers involved.

The incident, captured in a viral 53-second video, showed uniformed personnel engaged in a heated physical confrontation as the President was departing the venue of an official event. In the footage, the driver of a Hilux vehicle marked “Naval Police” was seen stepping out of his vehicle and exchanging words with another driver before returning to his seat. Moments later, a soldier carrying a rifle approached and threw a punch at the Naval Police driver, triggering a chaotic brawl that quickly escalated into a free-for-all, with personnel from both sides exchanging blows as stunned civilians looked on in disbelief.

The exact cause of the altercation could not be immediately determined as of press time. However, eyewitness accounts suggested that tension began when personnel from both forces disagreed over movement control and access routes during the presidential convoy’s operations .

Reacting to the incident in a post on his X handle on Saturday, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abi Folorunso, confirmed that those involved have been taken into custody and are facing disciplinary action. “The affected personnel are in custody and already undergoing appropriate administrative and disciplinary procedures in accordance with extant military regulations,” Folorunso wrote .

The Armed Forces of Nigeria also issued a statement confirming that personnel involved in the clash had been identified and detained. While describing the incident as unfortunate, the military authorities emphasised that it does not reflect the overall relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army, noting that both services continue to work in close synergy and mutual respect in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities .

The statement further read: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain a unified and professional institution, bound by a common mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.” It reiterated the military’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and ethical conduct, which it described as fundamental to the profession of arms .

The clash has since drawn widespread criticism from Nigerians on social media, with many describing it as an embarrassment and a sign of indiscipline within the ranks. One user wrote, “Foolish idiots in a professional field, nothing professional at all” . Another commented, “Shame, people that are supposed to uphold law and order. Lawlessness” .

The Armed Forces of Nigeria also called on members of the public to remain calm and continue to support the military in their efforts to maintain peace, security, and stability across the country . Additional measures are being implemented to ensure accountability, prevent a recurrence, and reinforce inter-service cooperation moving forward .