Soldiers, naval ratings clash during Tinubu’s visit in Bayelsa

Tension briefly flared in Bayelsa State on Friday as personnel of the Nigerian military were caught in a chaotic altercation during the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a now-viral 53-second video circulating online, what appeared to be a routine security presence quickly escalated into a heated confrontation. The footage shows the driver of a Hilux vehicle labeled “Naval Police” stepping out of his vehicle to confront another driver, with both men visibly exchanging words.

Moments later, after returning to his vehicle, a soldier bearing a rifle approached and threw a punch at the Naval Police driver, triggering a brawl.

The incident quickly escalated into a free-for-all, with personnel attached to both vehicles exchanging blows, while stunned civilians watched in disbelief.

The cause of the altercation could not be immediately ascertained as of press time.

The clash reportedly occurred as the President was leaving the venue of an official event during his visit to the state.

President Tinubu was in Bayelsa to commission projects, where he reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity across the country.

He pledged sustained investment in the nation’s armed forces, stating that his government would continue to equip and train security personnel to confront insurgency, banditry, and other violent threats.