By Obinna Uballa
In one of the most extensive leadership reshuffles in recent years, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the redeployment of 65 Rear Admirals across the Nigerian Navy, the Defence Headquarters, and other Tri-Service institutions.
The large-scale postings, announced on Monday by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational efficiency, enhance maritime security, and boost coordination within the service.
According to Adams-Aliu, the shake-up reflects the Chief of Naval Staff’s commitment to repositioning the force for improved performance and synergy among its commands and departments.
Under the new arrangement, Rear Admiral Suleiman Abdullahi, who previously served at the Defence Headquarters, has been appointed Chief of Logistics at the Naval Headquarters. Rear Admiral Kasim Bushi, formerly of the Naval Training Command, has been named Executive Director of the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria.
Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun takes over as Director of Defence Cooperation at the Defence Headquarters, while Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed becomes the new Commandant of the National Defence College.
At the Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Musa Katagum has been appointed Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Fredrick Damtong is the new Chief of Naval Engineering, and Rear Admiral Abdul-Rasheed Haruna assumes duty as Chief of Training.
In the regional commands, Rear Admiral Abiodun Alade is now the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Logistics Command; Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha takes charge of the Western Naval Command; Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie moves to head the Eastern Naval Command; while Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim has been appointed FOC, Central Naval Command.
Other strategic postings include Rear Admiral Mohammed Muye, now Commandant of the Naval War College Nigeria, and Rear Admiral Abdul-Hamid Baba-Inna, who becomes the Navy Secretary.
Vice Admiral Abbas, in a message to the newly appointed officers, congratulated them on their new roles and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating renewed commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the service’s core values.
He noted that the redeployment was designed to inject fresh ideas into key positions, foster innovation, and ensure effective delivery of the Navy’s mandate in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The Chief of Naval Staff further charged the senior officers to remain focused on operational readiness and collaboration with other security agencies in tackling maritime crimes and enhancing national security.
The new postings take immediate effect.
