Naval Chief Begins Nationwide Operational Tour In Benue, Inspects Key Facilities At Special Operations Command

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, began a nationwide operational tour with a one-day working visit to Makurdi, Benue State, aimed at assessing the state of Nigerian Navy Bases, Units, Ships, and Establishments across the country.

On arrival in Makurdi, Vice Admiral Abbas was received by the Flag Officer Commanding the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command (NNSOC), Rear Admiral Olakunle Soyemi; the Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General M.K. Gara; and the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barrister Sam Ode (mni).

During the visit, the Naval Chief inspected several Navy facilities, including the headquarters of the NNSOC permanent site on the North Bank of the Benue River, the Navy Barracks at Kanshio, the Navy Medical Centre, and the temporary site of the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School, all within Makurdi.

At the NNSOC headquarters, Vice Admiral Abbas conducted a detailed inspection of ongoing projects such as an Administrative Block, 24 x 1 and 16 x 1 accommodation units, 16 x 2 accommodation units, and a 40-man arrival hall. He directed that all projects be completed promptly to enhance the Command’s operational effectiveness and improve personnel welfare.

The Naval Chief explained that Makurdi was deliberately chosen as the starting point of his operational tour because of the strategic importance of the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command, which is headquartered in the state.

> “The Special Operations Command plays a crucial role in addressing internal security challenges and will continue to work closely with other security agencies to stabilize the Middle Belt region,” he stated.


Vice Admiral Abbas was accompanied by senior naval officers, including the Chief of Logistics, Rear Admiral S.H. Abdullahi, and the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral M.B. Katagum.

Also present were top officials of the Benue State Government, including the Director General of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Joseph Gbanuwam (rtd), and Senior Special Assistants to the Governor, Dr. Livinus Tsar and Hon. Isaac Adingi.

The establishment of the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command (NNSOC) in Makurdi is expected to strengthen joint security operations, particularly in tackling banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality affecting the North Central region and its waterways.

Vice Admiral Abbas’s ongoing nationwide tour is part of efforts to improve operational readiness, evaluate infrastructure development, and boost the morale of naval personnel across the country.