The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has announced that the Nigerian Navy will establish a Special Operations Command in Benue State. He made this known during a one-day working visit to Makurdi, the state capital, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
The visit commenced with a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father (Dr) Hyacinth Alia. During the meeting, Vice Admiral Ogalla commiserated with the Governor and the people of Benue over the recent attacks on some communities that led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.
He disclosed that the new Special Operations Command would be located on the land allocated by the state government along the North Bank of River Benue. The initiative, he noted, is part of ongoing efforts to boost inter-agency collaboration and improve security in the state.
In his remarks, Governor Alia welcomed the CNS and commended the Nigerian Navy’s proactive approach to national security. He pledged the full support of the state government towards the successful establishment of the command.
Following the meeting, the CNS and the Governor visited the proposed site for the command’s development. Vice Admiral Ogalla also visited the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School in Makurdi, where he addressed personnel. He thanked them for their commitment and urged them to remain steadfast in their duties.
Accompanying the CNS on the visit were the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral E.O. Ferriera; the Navy Secretary, Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu; and the Chief of Logistics, Rear Admiral O.K. Oluwagbire.
