The Nigerian Navy has detained personnel involved in an altercation with soldiers in Bayelsa State during President Bola Tinubu’s visit on Friday.

The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows uniformed officers engaged in a physical confrontation. In the footage, a driver of a Hilux vehicle marked ‘Naval Police’ is seen stepping out of his vehicle and engaging in a heated exchange with an occupant of another car.

Moments later, the naval officer returns to his vehicle as a soldier, visibly armed with a rifle, approaches and throws a punch, triggering a wider brawl. The situation quickly escalated, with multiple personnel involved in the melee in full public view.

The clash reportedly occurred as the President was departing the venue of an official event.

The incident has attracted widespread criticism, with many Nigerians condemning it as a display of indiscipline within the armed forces.

In response, the Navy confirmed that those involved have been taken into custody and are undergoing disciplinary procedures. According to a statement posted on X on Saturday by the Director of Naval Information, Abi Folorunso, appropriate administrative actions are being taken.

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