Idi Abbas, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), has pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture through the newly established Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command (NNSOC), headquartered in Makurdi, Benue State.
The Naval Chief made the commitment during a one-day working visit to Makurdi on Tuesday, as he began his nationwide operational tour of naval bases, units, and establishments.
The visit, marked the beginning of the CNS’s inspection of bases, units, ships, and establishments under the Nigerian Navy, underscored the service’s commitment to strengthening internal security operations and enhancing inter-agency collaboration in the Middle Belt region.
Abbas was received by Olakunle Soyemi; Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) NNSOC, M.K. Gara, Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke; and Sam Ode, Deputy Governor of Benue State.
The Naval Chief, accompanied by senior officers including S.H. Abdullahi, Chief of Logistics, and M.B. Katagum Chief of Operations, inspected several key facilities and ongoing projects within the state.
According to a statement by Navy, these included the headquarters of NNSOC’s permanent site on the North Bank of the Benue River, the Nigerian Navy Barracks at Kanshio, the Navy Medical Centre in Makurdi, and the temporary site of the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School.
“At the NNSOC headquarters, Vice Admiral Abbas undertook a detailed inspection of multiple ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at improving the command’s operational capacity.
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“These included the construction of an administrative block, 24 single-room accommodations, 16 two-bedroom flats, 16 single-room quarters, and a 40-man arrival hall”, the statement read.
He emphasised the need to expedite work to ensure timely completion.
The CNS explained that Makurdi was deliberately chosen as the first stop of his operational visits due to the strategic importance of the Special Operations Command.
He noted that, amid the prevailing internal security challenges across the country, NNSOC will play a vital role in stabilising the Middle Belt region by working closely with other security agencies and the Armed Forces.
Abbas commended the officers and ratings for their professionalism and dedication, urging them to sustain their efforts toward enhancing security in the region.
Officials from the Benue State Government, include Joseph Gbanuwam, Director-General of Homeland Security, Livinus Tsar, and Isaac Adingi, both Senior Special Assistants to the Governor.
