The Nigerian Navy is set to establish a Special Operations Command along the riverbanks of Benue State, following an operational visit by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia in Makurdi on Tuesday.
The high-level meeting, held at the Old Banquet Hall of the Government House, underscored renewed military-civil collaboration aimed at tackling insecurity and fostering sustainable development across the state.
The CNS stated that the move aligns with the Navy’s Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, which expands its operational scope beyond coastal areas to inland waterways and land-based missions. “We are transitioning from training operations to full-scale deployment in Benue to curb the rising insecurity,” he said.
He praised Governor Alia’s efforts in creating a conducive environment for security infrastructure and economic development, particularly the allocation of land for the naval project.
Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasized that security and development must go hand in hand, stressing youth empowerment and agricultural expansion as key deterrents to insecurity.
In his remarks, Governor Alia welcomed the naval delegation and described the visit as timely given the security challenges facing the state.
He warned that unguarded waterways have become transit routes for criminal activities, jeopardizing lives and agriculture in the state known as Nigeria’s food basket.
“The presence of the Navy in Benue is both necessary and urgent,” the governor said. “We are grateful for the swift response to our appeal and we pledge full support to ensure the operational base becomes functional in record time.”
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to long-term peacebuilding, improved infrastructure around the project site, and seamless cooperation with security agencies.
The visit concluded with an on-site evaluation of the proposed base location at North Bank, signaling the start of detailed operational planning.