Navy Sets-up Command to Curb Insecurity in Benue
In a significant escalation of efforts to tackle rising insecurity in Benue State, the Nigerian Navy has launched the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command (NNSOC) on the North Bank of the River Benue.
This new command, announced as part of a broader federal strategy to restore peace in troubled regions, is designed to serve as a vital pillar in Nigeria’s national security architecture. Its core mission is to combat escalating violence, banditry, and organized criminal activities, particularly in rural communities across the state.
The NNSOC will be composed of elite units including the Special Boat Service (SBS) and the Deep Blue Maritime Security Unit (MSU), supported by the Nigerian Navy Marines. This blend of elite and amphibious forces is expected to deliver swift and tactical responses in high-risk zones, especially along the River Benue and other vulnerable inland corridors.
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Although Benue is a landlocked state, the deployment of naval assets underscores the gravity of its security situation and the federal government’s commitment to an all-encompassing approach. Security analysts say the use of maritime capabilities in inland operations represents a new doctrine that leverages Nigeria’s full defense potential, particularly in using waterways for rapid deployment.
“The River Benue is no longer just an economic resource—it’s now a strategic asset in the fight against insecurity,” a defense analyst told Confirm News.
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who has supported the initiative, described the move as bold and necessary. His administration’s cooperation with the Nigerian Navy has been praised as a forward-thinking approach to safeguarding lives and property in the state.
Traditional leaders and civil society groups have reacted with cautious optimism, urging security agencies to work closely with local communities. They emphasized the importance of trust-building and intelligence sharing to achieve lasting peace.
“The military can’t do it alone. We need partnerships with residents to succeed,” said a community elder in Guma Local Government Area, one of the areas worst hit by attacks.
With the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command now operational, authorities and residents alike are hopeful that this marks the beginning of a more secure and stable future for Benue State.
