'Why Navy has special operations command in Makurdi'
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has said the Special Operations Command in Makurdi is to coordinate training for operatives fighting on land.
He said the command would play a part in the navy’s spectrum maritime security strategy, which requires well-trained and equipped land fighting forces to complement civil authority.
Ogalla spoke on a national television programme.
He said there were limitations with personnel that could fight on land since the service’s orientation is marine.
He explained that Makurdi was chosen because of the vast land around River Benue as well as insecurity in the axis.
Ogalla said: “In the Navy, we have our Total Spectrum Maritime Security Strategy, which identifies our operations to be conducted in five spectrums. One of those spectrums is land operation, and this is because the navy provides aid to civil authority, and aid to civil power.
“That’s why we are deployed in almost 30 states in support of the army and the police in fighting insecurity. That’s why we are deployed in Maiduguri, Chad Basin, Northwest, Northeast, South, and everywhere, in providing aid to civil authority.
“We identified that because of our few numbers, we are limitated in being able to provide a force. We also have limitations concerning how to provide personnel adequately trained to fight on land, being that our orientation is maritime-based.
“So, the Special Operations Command and Marines are meant to train people to fight on land in line with our Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy.
“We are doing it, but we want to do it better. And why have we chosen Makurdi? Of course, you know River Benue is a vast expanse and the insecurity that is taking place in those areas.
“Also, you notice that the elements of that command will not all be in Makurdi. For instance, the Navy Base in Lake Chad will be a unit of that command, and the Navy Base in Shagunu will also be a unit of that command.
“Many of the units are fighting on land. Also, our Special Boat Service (SBS). All those units will be part of the command. So, the command is to provide a coordination framework for all Special Forces Operations supposed to contribute in the provision of internal security and military aid to civil power.”
The CNS said in the last year, several naval personnel had undergone disciplinary actions over their involvement in oil theft.
