The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment and redeployment of 65 Rear Admirals to various strategic positions within the Nigerian Navy (NN), Defence Headquarters (DHQ), and other Tri-Service institutions.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the appointments, approved on Thursday, 30 October 2025, reflect the renewed effort of the Nigerian Navy to strengthen its operational effectiveness and fulfil its constitutional mandate under the leadership of Vice Admiral Abbas, the 23rd indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff.
Among those appointed are Rear Admiral Suleiman Abdullahi, who moves to Naval Headquarters (NHQ) as Chief of Logistics; Rear Admiral Kasim Bushi, appointed Executive Director of the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION); and Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun, now Director of Defence Cooperation at DHQ. Others include Rear Admiral Samuel Ngatuwa as Director of Project Management at DHQ and Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, who retains his position as Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard Limited.
Similarly, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed becomes the new Commandant of the National Defence College, while Rear Admiral Musa Katagum assumes duties as Chief of Operations at NHQ. Rear Admiral Fredrick Damtong was appointed Chief of Naval Engineering, Rear Admiral Abdul-Rasheed Haruna as Chief of Training, and Rear Admiral Hamza Ibrahim as Group Managing Director, Navy Holdings Limited (NHL).
Other notable appointments include Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim as Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman as Chief of Administration NHQ, Rear Admiral Kehinde Odubanjo as Director General, Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB), and Rear Admiral Olatunde Olodude as Chief of Policy and Plans.
Rear Admiral Abiodun Alade is now Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Logistics Command, while Rear Admiral Pakiribo Anabraba assumes office as Chief of Naval Safety and Standard. Rear Admiral Emmanuel Anakwe proceeds to the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) as Moderator, and Rear Admiral Abdul-Hamid Baba-Inna becomes the Navy Secretary.
Also, Rear Admiral Bob-Manuel Effiong is appointed FOC, Naval Doctrine Command; Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim takes over as FOC, Central Naval Command; Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie becomes FOC, Eastern Naval Command; and Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha assumes command as FOC, Western Naval Command.
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; Rear Admiral Haruna Zego as Managing Director, Nigerian Navy Hotels and Suites; and Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele as FOC, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC).
While congratulating the newly appointed officers, Vice Admiral Abbas urged them to rededicate themselves to duty and justify the confidence reposed in them, as the service intensifies efforts to enhance maritime security and national development.
The appointments take immediate effect.