Nigerian Navy Arrests Personnel Following Viral Public Brawl With Soldiers During Presidential Visit to Bayelsa

Nigerian Navy personnel are in custody following a viral fight with soldiers during President Tinubu’s Bayelsa visit. Read the official military response.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 3:38 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Naija News

A Public Military Altercation During Executive Proceedings

The Nigerian Navy has initiated disciplinary action against its personnel following a high profile physical confrontation with fellow military officers in Bayelsa State. The incident occurred on Friday, coinciding with an official visit by President Bola Tinubu to the region. While the President was departing from a scheduled event, tensions between security details escalated into a public brawl, which was witnessed by numerous civilians and subsequently documented in a viral social media video.

Escalation From Verbal Dispute to Physical Violence

Footage of the incident reveals a sequence of events beginning with the driver of a vehicle marked "Naval Police" engaging in a heated verbal exchange with another driver. The situation deteriorated rapidly when an armed officer approached the Naval Police driver and initiated a physical assault. This single act triggered a wider free for all, as personnel attached to both military vehicles abandoned their professional conduct to exchange blows in the street.

Official Confirmation of Military Custody and Discipline

In response to the growing public outcry over the conduct of the officers, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abi Folorunso, issued a formal statement on Saturday. Captain Folorunso confirmed that the personnel identified in the footage have been apprehended and are currently being held in custody. The Navy has moved swiftly to place these individuals under administrative and disciplinary review, emphasizing that the process will strictly adhere to extant military regulations governing the behavior of personnel.