Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, a native of Tudun Maliki in Kano State, has been appointed as Nigeria’s new Chief of Naval Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a significant move in the ongoing effort to strengthen national security and maritime operations.
Abbas brings to the role a distinguished military career rooted in operational excellence, strategic leadership, and maritime security expertise. With years of active service in the Nigerian Navy, he has played key roles in combating oil theft, curbing illegal bunkering, and enhancing coastal surveillance across the country’s waterways.
Before his elevation, Rear Admiral Abbas served as the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, where he led decisive operations against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta region. His leadership was instrumental in improving naval presence and response capability within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
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He also previously held the position of Chief Staff Officer at the Central Naval Command, where he coordinated naval operations, logistics, and administrative reforms that strengthened the command’s operational readiness.
In addition to his field experience, Rear Admiral Abbas has a strong academic and research background. He served as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre, contributing to maritime policy formulation and national security strategy development.
Known among his peers for discipline, foresight, and commitment to duty, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas is expected to bring renewed vigour to Nigeria’s maritime defence and help advance the Federal Government’s vision of a safer and more secure blue economy.