The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment and redeployment of 65 Rear Admirals of the Nigerian Navy (NN) to various key positions across the Naval Headquarters, Commands, and Tri-Service Institutions.
The large-scale postings, approved on Thursday, October 30, 2025, reflect what officials described as a renewed strategic drive by the naval leadership to reposition the service for optimal operational performance and the fulfilment of its constitutional mandates under the new CNS.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the appointments cut across logistics, training, operations, engineering, policy formulation, and command duties — signifying a holistic restructuring to enhance efficiency and maritime security operations nationwide.
Among the prominent appointments, Rear Admiral Suleiman Abdullahi, formerly of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has been appointed Chief of Logistics at the Naval Headquarters (NHQ). Rear Admiral Kasim Bushi was moved from the Headquarters Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) to the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) as Executive Director, while Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun, previously at NHQ, now serves as Director of Defence Cooperation at DHQ.
Also, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, who previously served at NHQ, has been appointed Commandant of the National Defence College. Rear Admiral Musa Katagum is now Chief of Operations at NHQ, while Rear Admiral Fredrick Damtong becomes Chief of Naval Engineering. Similarly, Rear Admiral Abdul-Rasheed Haruna was appointed Chief of Training, and Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman is the new Chief of Administration.
In the Navy’s corporate and support arms, Rear Admiral Hamza Ibrahim has been named Group Managing Director, Navy Holdings Limited (NHL), while Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal retains his role as Executive Director, Business Development and Evaluation, at the same institution.
Other key postings include Rear Admiral Olatunde Olodude, now Chief of Policy and Plans at NHQ; Rear Admiral Abiodun Alade, appointed Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Logistics Command; and Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, who takes over as FOC, Eastern Naval Command. Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha assumes duty as FOC, Western Naval Command, while Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele becomes FOC, NAVTRAC.
Further appointments include Rear Admiral Mohammed Muye as Commandant, Naval War College Nigeria (NWCN); Rear Admiral Umaru Faruk as Managing Director, Naval Engineering Services Limited; and Rear Admiral Haruna Zego as Managing Director, Nigerian Navy Hotels and Suites Limited.
The redeployment also saw Rear Admiral Emmanuel Anakwe posted to the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) as a Moderator, while Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan was appointed Director PC4 in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
In a message to the newly appointed senior officers, Vice Admiral Abbas congratulated them on their new roles and urged them to rededicate themselves to duty while justifying the confidence reposed in them by the naval hierarchy.
“The Nigerian Navy under this new leadership remains committed to professionalism, discipline, and operational excellence in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain,” the CNS was quoted as saying.
The appointments are expected to take immediate effect as the service intensifies efforts toward enhancing maritime security, logistics efficiency, and inter-agency cooperation in support of national security objectives.
