Navy redeploys 65 Rear Admirals in major shake-up

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment and redeployment of 65 rear admirals to key positions across the Nigerian Navy, Defence Headquarters, and Tri-Service institutions.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the director of naval information.

Adams-Aliu said the large-scale postings were aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and improving the navy’s maritime security posture.

He added that the new postings reflect the chief of naval staff’s commitment to repositioning the service for improved performance and synergy among commands.

Among the key appointments, Rear Adm. Suleiman Abdullahi, formerly at Defence Headquarters, is now chief of logistics at naval headquarters, while Rear Adm. Kasim Bushi moves from headquarters naval training command to the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria as executive director.

Rear Adm. Suleiman Dahun was appointed director of defence cooperation at Defence Headquarters, and Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed became commandant of the National Defence College.

Other appointments include Rear Adm. Musa Katagum as chief of operations; Rear Adm. Fredrick Damtong as chief of naval engineering; and Rear Adm. Abdul-Rasheed Haruna as chief of training — all at naval headquarters.

Adams-Aliu also said Rear Adm. Abiodun Alade is now the flag officer commanding (FOC), logistics command; Rear Adm. Abubakar Mustapha as FOC, western naval command; Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie as FOC, eastern naval command; and Rear Adm. Suleiman Ibrahim as FOC, central naval command.

He added that Rear Adm. Mohammed Muye was appointed commandant of the Naval War College Nigeria, while Rear Adm. Abdul-Hamid Baba-Inna becomes the navy secretary.

The chief of naval staff congratulated the newly appointed officers and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by rededicating themselves to duty, upholding professionalism, and contributing to national security and development.

Abbas assumed duty as the 23rd chief of naval staff on October 30.