Navy to establish special operations command in Benue

The Nigerian Navy has announced plans to establish a Special Operations Command in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, in a strategic move aimed at enhancing security in the North-Central region of the country.

This was disclosed on Monday by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, during a press briefing at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

The briefing was part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 69th anniversary, which is scheduled to take place in Lagos.

Vice Admiral Ogalla was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu.

The new command will be located on the North Bank of the River Benue and will include Special Boat Service operatives, Deep Blue Sea operatives, and Nigerian Navy Marines.

It is expected to operate in coordination with the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and other security agencies to combat security challenges in the region.

According to the Navy, the unit will be capable of operating on land, sea, and air, greatly enhancing the country’s military response capabilities.

“In line with the Nigerian Navy’s Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, which extends from backwaters to land-based operations, the establishment of the Special Operations Command in Makurdi will reinforce joint security efforts in the Middle Belt,” Ogalla stated.

In addition to the new command, the Navy also unveiled recent additions to its fleet as part of its ongoing modernization efforts. These include three newly acquired patrol vessels – NNS Shere, NNS Faro, and NNS Ikogosi – as well as three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters.

The vessels, sourced from Singapore and South Korea, measure 38 meters each and have an operational endurance of five days. They will serve as Seaward Defence Boats, capable of operating within Nigeria’s littoral waters and extending up to the 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone.

With the new helicopters, the Navy’s air fleet now stands at 14, significantly boosting its maritime patrol and rapid response capabilities.

The Chief of Naval Staff also announced plans to operationalize a Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea.

This regional initiative, involving personnel, materials, and assets from Gulf nations, aims to strengthen maritime security through collaboration.

Ogalla highlighted that Nigeria continues to maintain a zero-piracy rating, as recorded by the International Maritime Bureau, thanks to surveillance systems such as Falcon Eye and the Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity.

These developments underscore the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to expanding its operational reach and improving both national and regional security.