The Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy have confirmed that personnel who engaged in fisticuffs during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Bayelsa State are now in custody and facing disciplinary action. Both services issued separate statements addressing the incident, which occurred amid heightened security for the President’s one-day official visit on April 10, 2026.
The Army confirmed in a statement that those involved are in custody and being disciplined. The statement said the service “does not condone acts of indiscipline or unprofessional conduct” and that “appropriate administrative and disciplinary measures have commenced in line with established military procedures.” It added that the Army remains committed to inter-agency cooperation and the security of the Commander-in-Chief.
The Navy also addressed the incident on X, stating that its personnel involved in the altercation are in custody and undergoing investigation. “The Nigerian Navy has zero tolerance for acts that bring disrepute to the service. The personnel involved are currently in naval custody pending the outcome of a Board of Inquiry,” the post read. The Navy reiterated that it “remains apolitical, resolutely neutral and will continue to adhere strictly to its professional code of conduct.”
The altercation occurred on Friday, April 10, 2026, during President Tinubu’s visit to Bayelsa State to commission four legacy projects, including a gas turbine in Opolo-Elebele, a 60km dual carriageway from Onopa to the LNG axis, and a 630-metre bridge linking Angiama with Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Council. The state government had declared the day work-free to allow residents to participate in the reception.
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, had earlier noted in a statement that the measures were aimed at affording the people the opportunity to accord the President a rousing reception. “The state is ready, and we are ready as a people to receive the father of the nation… who will be in the State on a one-day visit to inaugurate four legacy projects,” Koku-Obiyai stated.
Security for the visit was coordinated under the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, which comprises Army, Navy, and other services. Both the Army and Navy stressed that the isolated incident would not affect inter-service collaboration or the ongoing security operations in the Niger Delta.
Neither service provided details on the number of personnel involved or the immediate cause of the clash. The Army and Navy said further updates would be communicated after internal disciplinary processes are concluded.
