Personnel of the Nigerian military were involved in a physical altercation during the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bayelsa State on Friday.
A video circulating online shows the driver of a Hilux vehicle marked “Naval Police” stepping out to confront another driver, leading to a heated exchange.
Shortly after, an armed officer approached and struck the Naval Police driver, triggering a wider confrontation.
The situation quickly escalated into a brawl, with personnel from both sides exchanging blows as stunned bystanders looked on.
The cause of the altercation could not be immediately determined as of press time.
The incident reportedly occurred as the President was leaving the venue of an official engagement during his visit to the state.
President Tinubu was in Bayelsa to commission key projects and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity across the country.
He pledged continued investment in the armed forces, stressing the need to equip and train personnel to tackle insurgency, banditry, and other security challenges.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government declared a work-free day and directed markets to shut down ahead of the President’s visit.
The Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, announced the directive on Thursday in Yenagoa.
She explained that the move was intended to ensure proper preparations and encourage residents to participate in the visit.
According to her, the President’s one-day visit would include the inauguration of several projects executed by the state government.
The government also declared Friday, April 10, 2026, a public holiday to enable workers and residents to welcome the President and attend scheduled activities.
Projects slated for commissioning include a state-owned gas turbine at Opolo-Elebele, a 60-kilometre dual carriageway from Onopa to the LNG area, and a 630-metre bridge linking Angiama to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The commissioner urged residents, particularly traders, to comply with the directive by closing their businesses and turning out to receive the President.
The state government added that the measures were aimed at ensuring a smooth and well-coordinated visit.
Credit: PenTalk
