Authorities of the Nigerian Navy, on Monday announced its plans to establish a Special Operations Command in Makurdi, Benue State capital as part of efforts to bolster security in the Middle Belt region.
The maritime force also revealed that as part of its fleet renewal, it has acquired three new patrol vessels – NNS Shere, NNS Faro, and NNS Ikogosi as well as three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, disclosed these to journalists at Naval headquarters, Abuja during a briefing to mark the Nigerian Navy’s 69th anniversary scheduled to be held in Lagos.
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Ogalla, who spoke through the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy) Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, explained that the command will consist of Special Boat Service operatives, Deep Blue Sea operatives and will be supported by the Nigerian Navy Marines.
According to him, the new Special Operations Command is to be located at the North Bank of River Benue, and it will work alongside the Army, Air Force, and other security agencies to address the region’s security challenges.
The senior military officer noted that the new command would operate seamlessly on land, sea, and air, enhancing military reach across the nation.
He said, “I am glad to say that as of today, the Nigerian Navy is fully capable and ready to provide that service to the African Union.
“In line with the Nigerian Navy’s Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, which delineates our areas of operations from Back Waters through the Exclusive Economic Zone, up to the Out of Area and Land Based Operations, the Navy has concluded plans to establish a Special Operations Command in Makurdi, Benue State.
“The Command will be situated on the North Bank of the River Benue and would complement the efforts of sister services and other security agencies to improve the security situation in the Middle Belt region.”
Ogalla added that in addition to local security, the Navy is set to operationalize a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea, aimed at boosting regional security through collaborative efforts among Gulf nations.
He stated that this initiative is in line with the Navy’s Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, which covers operations from Back Waters to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond.
“Through its Maritime Domain Awareness Facilities, including the Falcon Eye and Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity Systems, Nigeria has maintained a zero-piracy rating in the International Maritime Bureau records.
“The Combined Task Force, expected to be launched soon, will involve collective contributions of personnel, materials, and naval assets from member states.”
Revealing the features of the vessel, the CNS said the vessels, each measuring 38 meters with an endurance of five days, were sourced from Singapore and South Korea and will be commissioned during the Navy’s 69th anniversary.
He explained that the patrol vessels will function as Seaward Defence Boats within Nigeria’s littorals, extending up to the 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone and beyond, if necessary.
The new helicopters, according to him, will bring the Navy’s air fleet to 14, significantly enhancing its maritime patrol and rapid response capabilities.
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