The Nigerian Navy has announced one of its most far-reaching personnel reshuffles in recent years, as the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, approved the appointment and redeployment of 65 Rear Admirals to new strategic roles across the service.
The sweeping shake-up is designed to deepen operational readiness, reinforce maritime security, and strengthen coordination within the Navy and the wider Armed Forces.
The announcement was made in Abuja through a statement from the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, who described the posting cycle as a deliberate effort by naval leadership to reposition the service for improved efficiency.
The large number of senior officers affected reflects the Navy’s goal of injecting fresh energy into critical commands and institutions.
Under the new postings, several high-ranking officers assumed key operational and administrative functions at Naval Headquarters.
Rear Admiral Suleiman Abdullahi, who previously served at Defence Headquarters, has been appointed Chief of Logistics, while Rear Admiral Musa Katagum becomes Chief of Operations, a role central to Nigeria’s maritime security strategy.
Rear Admiral Fredrick Damtong now serves as Chief of Naval Engineering, and Rear Admiral Abdul-Rasheed Haruna takes over as Chief of Training, responsible for shaping naval doctrine and manpower development.
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Significant leadership changes also occurred across major naval commands. Rear Admiral Abiodun Alade is now Flag Officer Commanding, Logistics Command; Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha assumes leadership of the Western Naval Command; Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie takes charge of the Eastern Naval Command; while Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim becomes FOC, Central Naval Command.
These regional commands oversee Nigeria’s vast maritime domain, stretching from Lagos to the creeks of the Niger Delta and up to the Gulf of Guinea.
At the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun has been appointed Director of Defence Cooperation, a position that plays a key role in regional military partnerships and operations.
Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed has been named Commandant of the prestigious National Defence College, where senior military and security leaders undergo advanced strategic training.
The reshuffle also impacted the Navy’s training institutions. Rear Admiral Kasim Bushi has been posted to the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria as Executive Director, while Rear Admiral Mohammed Muye becomes Commandant of the Naval War College. Rear Admiral Abdul-Hamid Baba-Inna has been appointed Navy Secretary.
Vice Admiral Abbas charged the newly posted officers to bring renewed professionalism, discipline, and innovation to their roles, stressing that the Navy’s evolving security environment demands strong leadership at all levels.
He urged them to justify the confidence placed in them and contribute to strengthening national security.
