Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Abass’s Landmark Visit to Benue Reinforces Security Ties and Middle Belt Stability

In a significant show of appreciation and strategic alignment, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting underscored growing collaboration between the state government and Nigeria’s naval forces, particularly in addressing internal security challenges in the Middle Belt region.

Governor Alia commended Vice Admiral Abass for his recent operational visit to Makurdi on November 11, 2025—the maiden stop in a nationwide tour. The choice of Makurdi was deliberate, reflecting the strategic importance of the newly established Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command (NNSOC), headquartered in Benue State. During the visit, the CNS inspected critical naval facilities, including the Navy Barracks at Kanshio, the Navy Medical Centre, and the temporary site of the Navy Provost and Regulating School in Makurdi.

The governor highlighted the pivotal role the NNSOC is expected to play in stabilizing the Middle Belt amid persistent security threats. He recalled that in 2024, during a prior engagement with the former Chief of Naval Staff, he had advocated for the creation of a Nigerian Navy Type A Operational Base in Makurdi—a request swiftly approved and which paved the way for the NNSOC’s establishment.

Governor Alia also congratulated Vice Admiral Abass on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praising the President’s leadership in bolstering national security architecture. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening partnerships with federal security institutions to ensure lasting peace, stability, and protection for all citizens.

The visit signals a new chapter in civil-military relations in Benue, with the state positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s evolving defense strategy. As internal security dynamics shift, the presence of a dedicated naval special operations command in the heart of the Middle Belt offers hope for more coordinated and effective responses to regional challenges.

With the NNSOC now operational, residents and stakeholders anticipate enhanced security coverage, particularly in waterways and border communities long affected by banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and other threats. This development not only elevates Benue’s profile in national defense but also reinforces the state’s resolve to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s stability.