Navy Personnel Clash With Soldiers During Tinubu’s Visit to Bayelsa as Military Takes Action
- The Nigerian Navy confirmed the arrest of personnel involved in a clash with soldiers during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Bayelsa state
- A 53-second viral video captured a confrontation that escalated into a physical fight between naval personnel and soldiers as civilians watched
- Navy spokesperson, Navy Captain Abi Folorunso, confirmed that those involved were taken into custody and subjected to disciplinary procedures under military regulations
The Nigerian Navy has confirmed the arrest of personnel involved in a public confrontation with soldiers during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Bayelsa state on Friday, April 10.
The incident, which has circulated widely on social media, was recorded in a 53-second video showing uniformed personnel engaged in a heated exchange that escalated into a physical fight.
Source: Twitter
In the footage shared on X, a driver of a Hilux vehicle marked “Naval Police” is seen alighting from the vehicle and arguing with another motorist in uniform, Premium Times reported.
The situation escalated shortly after when a soldier, reportedly armed with a rifle, approached and struck the naval personnel, triggering a broader confrontation involving officers from both sides.
Chaos erupts as civilians watch on
The altercation quickly degenerated into a free-for-all, with personnel attached to both military vehicles exchanging blows while bystanders watched in shock.
The clash reportedly occurred as President Bola Tinubu was departing an official engagement during his state visit, although the exact cause of the dispute remains unclear.
Source: Twitter
Reacting to the development, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abi Folorunso, confirmed that those involved have been taken into custody and are undergoing disciplinary procedures, Vanguard reported.
“The affected personnel are in custody and already undergoing appropriate administrative and disciplinary procedures in accordance with extant military regulations,” he stated.
Top general dies
Recently brigadier general Oseni Omoh Braimah and at least 17 other soldiers were killed following coordinated attacks by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on multiple military formations in Borno state.
The attacks, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, targeted the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, as well as locations in Ngamdu and Pulka in Gwoza LGA.
Local sources said the insurgents stormed the bases with heavy gunfire and explosives, engaging troops in a prolonged confrontation that lasted several hours.
Navy officer clashes with angry Wike
Legit.ng previously reported that there was a tense standoff in Abuja on Tuesday, November 11 when a naval officer prevented Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from accessing a piece of land in Gaduwa. Wike had led officials of the Federal Capital Territory Development Association (FCDA) to the site when the armed personnel stopped them from entering.
Security officials accompanying the minister attempted to persuade the officers to allow access, but the personnel insisted they were acting on orders from above.
A video of the incident circulated widely on social media, drawing reactions from Nigerians and raising questions about the handling of public officials and security forces in the FCT.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
