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, His Excellency Barrister Sam Ode (mni).

The CNS’s visit included inspections of several Nigerian
Navy facilities in the state, 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 in Makurdi.

At the NNSOC headquarters, the Naval Chief conducted a
thorough assessment of ongoing construction projects, including an
Administrative Block, 24 x 1 and 16 x 1 accommodation units, 16 x 2
accommodation units, and a 40-man arrival hall. He emphasized the need for
prompt completion of all ongoing projects to enhance operational efficiency.

Speaking during the inspection, Vice Admiral Abbas explained
that Makurdi was chosen for his maiden operational visit because the newly
established NNSOC is based there.

The CNS 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 from 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.

He noted that, given the prevailing internal security
challenges, the Special Operations Command would play a crucial role in
stabilizing the Middle Belt region in close collaboration with sister security
agencies and the armed forces.