As part of efforts to enhance security in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, the Nigerian Navy has announced the establishment of a Special Operations Command in Makurdi, Benue State.
The development was disclosed by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Navy Headquarters, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, during a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday, as part of activities marking the 69th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.
Rear Admiral Dewu said the decision to site the command in Makurdi aligns with the Nigerian Navy’s Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, which expands naval operations from coastal waters through Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and includes land-based operations in partnership with other services.
“The Special Operations Command will be located on the North Bank of the River Benue and will host specially trained units such as the Navy Marines, Special Boat Service (SBS), and Blue Sea Operations teams,” Dewu revealed.
He explained that the increasing need for joint land-based operations with the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force had prompted the creation of the unit.
“Current security realities demand synergy among the armed forces. The Navy Marines we plan to station in Makurdi will not only operate at sea but also effectively deploy on land to counter emerging threats,” he said.
New Vessels, Helicopters Boost Naval Capability
In further efforts to strengthen maritime operations, Dewu disclosed that the Navy has recently taken delivery of three new offshore patrol vessels—NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI—each approximately 38 meters in length with a five-day endurance capacity.
“Two of the vessels were acquired from Singapore, and one from South Korea. They arrived in December 2024 and will serve as seaward defence boats within Nigeria’s littoral waters, extending up to the 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone, and beyond when necessary,” he said.
Dewu added that the Navy will also induct three AgustaWestland AW109 Trekker helicopters into service, increasing its operational air fleet to 14 helicopters.
“The addition of these air platforms will significantly enhance our maritime surveillance and response capability across Nigeria’s coastal domain,” he noted.
The induction of the vessels and helicopters will form part of events scheduled for the 2025 Nigerian Navy Week celebrations.
The establishment of the Special Operations Command and expansion of the Navy’s fleet represent a continued effort by the Nigerian Navy to strengthen national security architecture, especially in regions plagued by banditry, insurgency, and other asymmetric threats.
