The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, on Tuesday paid an operational familiarization visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Navy’s newly established Special Operations Command (SOC), situated along the River Benue in North Bank, Makurdi, Benue State.
The visit, his first since assuming office, was aimed at assessing ongoing construction work and reviewing operational readiness at the command, which forms part of the Navy’s strategic expansion into Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Speaking to journalists during the visit, Vice Admiral Abbas said the trip was part of his broader plan to gain firsthand knowledge of activities across naval formations nationwide and to ensure that all ongoing projects were progressing as intended.
“It’s customary to go around and know my units of command, and this is one of our latest commands,” he explained. “I feel it is very necessary that I come here first to have firsthand knowledge of what is ongoing. As you can see, the structure is coming up, and I wanted to see for myself the progress being made towards having this place completed.”
On why Benue was chosen as the location for the new command, the CNS said the Special Operations Command plays a vital role in the Navy’s overall security architecture. “This is our newest command, and it’s a very critical strategic command that I feel should be up and running by now. Though it’s young, it is central to our operations. That’s why I chose to come here first,” he said.
Addressing questions on his leadership focus and the fight against insecurity, Vice Admiral Abbas emphasized partnership and collaboration. “We are going to do our utmost best in securing this country, but not alone,” he said. “Security requires a whole-of-society approach. I intend to work with everyone — other security services, state authorities, and the public — because everybody is important in making Nigeria safer and stronger.”
Speaking on the ongoing battle against oil theft, the Naval Chief said his administration would build on the achievements of previous leaderships while adopting cutting-edge technology to improve surveillance and response. “What I intend to do differently is to integrate more artificial intelligence and modern technology into our operations. Our crude oil production has already improved, and we plan to sustain and increase it,” he stated.
Benue State Deputy Governor, Barrister Sam Ode, who received the CNS and his delegation, commended the federal government and the Navy for siting the Special Operations Command in the state. He said Benue has a history of hosting key military formations and would continue to support the Armed Forces and security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and stability.
“Benue is already home to the Army and the Air Force, and we are proud to welcome the Navy,” he said. “We will continue to give them all the support they need to combat insecurity, not only in Benue but across the country.”
The establishment of the Special Operations Command in Makurdi marks a significant step in the Navy’s plan to extend its operational reach beyond coastal areas and strengthen inter-agency coordination in addressing internal security challenges across Nigeria.
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