By Nkechi Eze
In a move that underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening maritime security and advancing professionalism within the Nigerian Navy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). The appointment marks a new phase of strategic leadership for the Navy, with expectations of consolidating ongoing reforms in maritime operations, coastal defence, and naval safety management.
Born on 20 September 1969, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas hails from Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. His early educational foundation was built at Gwagwarwa Primary School, Kano, before proceeding to the Air Force Military School, Jos, where he studied from 1981 to 1986. His passion for military service saw him enlist into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on 12 September 1987 as a member of the 40th Regular Course, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and earning his commission as a Sub-Lieutenant on 10 September 1993.
A seasoned naval officer and Above Water Warfare (AWW) specialist, Rear Admiral Abbas has attended several professional and strategic courses both within and outside Nigeria. He completed the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at NNS QUORRA in 1994 and later attended the Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji in 2001 and 2005 respectively. He further deepened his expertise when he undertook the Officers’ Long Course (OLC XII) at NNS QUORRA, Apapa Lagos, between January and December 2003, specializing in Above Water Warfare.
In 2009, he attended the United Nations Military Observer Course in Tanzania, and in 2014, he graduated from the prestigious National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, as a member of Course 23.
Rear Admiral Abbas’s distinguished service in the Nigerian Navy has been defined by a steady progression through several command, instructional, and administrative positions. After his commissioning in 1993, he served on various naval ships, including NNS ARADU, NNS DAMISA, and NNS AYAM, as a Watch-Keeping Officer. His early exposure to shipboard operations equipped him with firsthand knowledge of maritime discipline and operational command.
He went on to serve as Naval Assistant to the Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, in 1998, and between 1999 and 2002, he undertook mandatory military courses while returning intermittently to NNS DAMISA. In January 2004, he was appointed Staff Officer III, Marine Services, at the Naval Headquarters, before becoming Gunnery Officer, NNS OHUE, in 2006. His capacity for leadership and mentorship led to his appointment as Instructor at NNS QUORRA in 2007 and later as Commanding Officer, Burma Battalion, Nigerian Defence Academy, in 2008.
Rear Admiral Abbas subsequently served as Base Administrative Officer, NNS PATHFINDER, and later as Naval Contingent Commander, Joint Task Force (Operation SAFE HAVEN) between 2010 and 2012. His growing reputation for operational efficiency and discipline earned him appointments as Maritime Guard Commander (MGC), NIMASA, in 2015, and Commander Task Group (CTG), Operation Tsare-Teku, in 2017, a role central to maritime security operations in Nigeria’s coastal waters.
Between 2018 and 2022, Rear Admiral Abbas rose through key leadership positions in the Central Naval Command (CNC), first as Command Administrative Officer (CAO) and later as Chief Staff Officer (CSO), before his eventual appointment as Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command. During this period, he also served as Commander, NNS VICTORY, Calabar, in 2020, where he recorded notable successes in anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations.
In July 2023, Rear Admiral Abbas was appointed Chief of Naval Safety and Standards (CNASS) at Naval Headquarters, where he strengthened safety protocols and compliance mechanisms across the Service. By February 2024, he was elevated to the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations (CDCMR) at Defence Headquarters, a role that further broadened his understanding of joint operations and strategic engagement with civil institutions. Before his appointment as CNS, he served as Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre in January 2025.
A thoroughbred Seaman Executive Officer, Rear Admiral Abbas has risen through the ranks on merit, professionalism, and dedication. He became a Midshipman in 1996, was promoted Lieutenant in 2001, Lieutenant Commander in 2006, Commander in 2011, Navy Captain in 2011, Commodore in 2016, and attained the rank of Rear Admiral on 10 September 2020.
Throughout his illustrious career, he has earned numerous decorations and honours, including the Passed Staff Course (psc), Fellow Defence College (fdc), Forces Service Star (fss), Meritorious Service Star (mss), Distinguished Service Star (dss), Grand Service Star (gss), and Defence General Staff Medal (DGSM). He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS).
A respected officer known for his calm disposition, discipline, and operational acumen, Rear Admiral Abbas is expected to bring renewed vigour to the Nigerian Navy’s mission of safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. His leadership is anticipated to strengthen the Service’s capacity in tackling piracy, illegal bunkering, and maritime crimes, while enhancing collaboration with regional and international partners.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas is a practicing Muslim and a devoted family man. He is happily married to Mrs. Aisha Abbas, and their union is blessed with two sons. Beyond his professional commitments, he enjoys playing hockey and driving, hobbies that reflect his energetic and focused personality.
With over three decades of dedicated service, Rear Admiral Abbas’s appointment as the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff is seen as a strategic choice to consolidate professionalism, deepen naval reforms, and propel the Nigerian Navy into a new era of maritime dominance, safety, and operational excellence.
