Abuja: The Nigerian Navy has announced the establishment of a Special Operations Command in Makurdi, as part of efforts to support sister services and other security agencies in improving security across the Middle Belt region. Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), revealed this development during a news conference as part of the events commemorating the navy’s 61st Anniversary.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the establishment of the command aligns with the navy’s Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, which outlines operational areas from Back Waters to the Exclusive Economic Zone, extending to Out of Area and Land-Based Operations. The new command will be located on the North Bank of the River Benue. It will include various special operations personnel, such as the Navy Marines, Special Boat Service (SBS), and the Blue Sea Operations.
Rear Adm. Dewu emphasized the necessity for the Nigerian Navy Marines to collaborate with the Nigerian Army and Air Force in land operations. He stated that the navy requires trained personnel to operate alongside these forces, which is why the Navy Marines will be established in Makurdi to conduct operations on both sea and land.
Additionally, Dewu announced that the navy has received three new patrol vessels and three newly acquired helicopters to bolster maritime security operations. These new assets will be inducted during the navy week. The patrol vessels-NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI-are each about 38 meters long and have a five-day endurance capability.
Two of the vessels were procured from Singapore, and one from South Korea, arriving in Nigeria in December 2024. These vessels will function as Seaward Defence boats within Nigeria’s littorals up to the 24 nautical mile contiguous zone and can extend operations beyond this range if needed. Furthermore, three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters will be commissioned, increasing the total number of helicopters in the navy’s inventory to 14, which will significantly enhance air operations.
