The Executive Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), at Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit came shortly after the CNS undertook an operational tour of Benue State earlier in the week.
Governor Alia began by congratulating Vice Admiral Abbas on his appointment and commended him for selecting Benue State as the destination of his first operational visit.
He highlighted the strategic presence of Nigerian Navy units in the state, particularly the newly established Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command (NNSOC).
The Governor noted that the people of Benue were delighted with the decision to situate the Headquarters of the Command in Makurdi and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working closely with the Navy to enhance security.
He emphasized that the Benue State Government will continue to support all naval initiatives aimed at improving stability and protecting citizens in the region.
In his remarks, the CNS expressed gratitude to the Governor for the historic courtesy call, noting that Governor Alia was the first official visitor to the Naval Headquarters since he assumed leadership of the Service.
Vice Admiral Abbas described the NNSOC as a critical asset for strengthening security across the Middle Belt and emphasized his determination to fast-track the operationalization of the Command.
He underscored the need for sustained collaboration with the Benue State Government to ensure the successful establishment and deployment of the NNSOC’s capabilities.
Both leaders agreed to accelerate all necessary actions to make the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command fully operational as quickly as possible, reaffirming their shared commitment to enhancing security and stability within Benue State and the wider region.
