On October 24, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as the new Chief of Naval Staff, succeeding Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. The Nigerian Navy describes him as a seasoned officer whose record of service and leadership makes him well-suited to guide the service into the future.
Early Life & Education
Born on September 20, 1969, in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Rear Admiral Abbas began his schooling at Gwagwarwa Primary School in Kano. From 1981 to 1986, he attended the Air Force Military School in Jos. In 1987, he gained admission to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 40th regular course, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.
Military Training & Specialization
Rear Admiral Abbas is an Above Water Warfare (AWW) specialist. His military education includes:
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Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at NNS Quorra (1994)
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Junior and Senior Staff Courses at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2001, 2005)
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Officers’ Long Course (OLC XII), NNS Quorra, Apapa (2003)
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United Nations Military Observer Course, Tanzania (2009)
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National Defence College, Abuja, Course 23 (2014)
Key Appointments Over the Years
Rear Admiral Abbas has held a diverse array of commands and staff roles in his naval career. Notable assignments include:
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Serving onboard NNS Aradu, Damisa, and Ayam as Watch-Keeping Officer
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Naval Assistant to Deputy Commandant, AFCSC, Jaji (1998)
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Staff Officer III, Marine Services, Naval Headquarters (2004)
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Gunnery Officer, NNS Ohue (2006)
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Instructor, NNS Quorra (2007)
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Commanding Officer, Burma Battalion, NDA (2008)
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Base Administrative Officer, NNS Pathfinder
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Naval Contingent Commander, JTF Operation Safe Haven (2010–2012)
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Maritime Guard Commander, NIMASA (2015)
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Commander, Task Group, Operation Tsare-Teku (2017)
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Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command (2022)
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Chief of Naval Safety & Standards (2023)
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Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations (2024)
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Senior Research Fellow, Nigerian Army Heritage Centre (January 2025)
Promotions & Rank Progression
His steady rise through the naval ranks is as follows:
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Midshipman (1996)
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Lieutenant (2001)
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Lieutenant Commander (2006)
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Commander (2006)
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Navy Captain (2011)
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Commodore (2016)
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Rear Admiral (September 10, 2020)
Honors, Memberships & Distinctions
Admiral Abbas’s service record has earned him several awards and professional affiliations:
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Passed Staff Course (PSC)
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Fellow Defence College (FDC)
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Forces Service Star (FSS)
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Meritorious Service Star (MSS)
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Distinguished Service Star (DSS)
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Grand Service Star (GSS)
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Defence General Staff Medal (DGSM)
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Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM)
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Member, International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS)
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas steps into his new role at a pivotal moment for the Nigerian Navy. His vast experience across operational, training, and administrative roles positions him to lead with both technical competence and institutional understanding.
