Meet Nigeria’s 25th Chief of Naval Staff – Rear Adm. Idi Abbas

The appointment of Rear Adm. Idi Abbas as the 25th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and professionalism to the leadership of the Nigerian Navy. A seasoned Above Water Warfare specialist, Rear Adm. Abbas has spent more than three decades in service to the nation, distinguished by dedication to duty and a passion for maritime security. Born on Sept. 20, 1969, Abbas hails from Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. He began his educational journey at Gwagwarwa Primary School, Kano, and later attended the Air Force Military School, Jos, from 1981 to 1986. In 1987, he gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 40 Regular Course and was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant on 10 September 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. A well-trained officer, Abbas has attended several military courses at home and abroad. These include the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course and Officers’ Long Course in Above Water Warfare at NNS QUORRA, as well as the Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. He also attended the United Nations Military Observer Course in Tanzania in 2009 and is a graduate of the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, Course 23. Over the years, the new Naval Chief has held several command and staff appointments. He has served onboard various Nigerian Navy ships, including NNS ARADU, NNS DAMISA, and NNS AYAM, as a Watch-Keeping Officer. He was also Naval Assistant to the Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and later served as Commanding Officer, Burma Battalion, NDA. His other notable appointments include Base Administrative Officer, NNS PATHFINDER; Maritime Guard Commander, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Commander, Task Group Operation TSARE TEKU; and Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command. He also served as Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations at Defence Headquarters, and Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre before his elevation to the position of Chief of Naval Staff. Rear Adm. Abbas has risen steadily through the ranks from Midshipman in 1996 to Rear Admiral on Sept. 10 2020. His career has been decorated with several honours, including the Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Grand Service Star (GSS), and the Defence General Staff Medal (DGSM). He is a Fellow of the Defence College (fdc) and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS). A calm, focused, and result-oriented officer, Abbas is widely respected for his professionalism and strategic leadership. Outside the uniform, he enjoys playing hockey and driving. He is married to Mrs Aisha Abbas, and they are blessed with two sons. The new naval chief is expected to bring renewed drive and operational focus to the Nigerian Navy as it continues its mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and contributing to national security. 

Buhari procured 20 ships in eight years- Naval Chief

President Muhammadu Buhari bought 20 capital ships for the Nigerian Navy (NN) during the eight years of his administration, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Saidu Garba, said on Friday. According to Garba, who spoke via a signed statement, the ships comprise of Offshore Patrol Vessels, Landing Ship Transport, Hydrographic Survey Vessels, Seaward Defence Boats, Helicopters, as well as, over 300 Inshore Patrol Vessels and Assault crafts. According to him, Buhari’s contribution to the development of the NN during his administration, has set him to give receive a befitting Presidential Fleet Review (PFR). The PFR with the theme: ‘Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity’ will hold in Lagos from May 19 to May 22. The naval chief added that the president also commissioned two locally built ships in 2016 and in 2021 respectively and laid the keel for two more, which would be ready by 2024. “The PFR 2023 is therefore in honour of Buhari, in recognition of his generous contribution to the service and the nation at large. “It involves assemblage of ships and other maritime assets at a designated area for the purpose of demonstrating loyalty and allegiance to the state. “The review also provides an avenue for the president to assess the navy’s preparedness to meet statutory obligations in maritime security, safety and defence within a global collaborative approach,” he said. Garba said that the last PFR was conducted in 2010 in honour of then President Goodluck Jonathan,  and to mark the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence. He also noted that the NN had attended many Fleet reviews of other countries with the nation’s Flag Ship, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) ARADU. “Also, the NN sent personnel to participate in the Bangladesh Navy Fleet Review in December 2022, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the country’s Independence,” he said. The naval chief said that the PFR-2023 exercise would involve 16 NN warships, 3 x AW109E NN helicopters and a mix of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft. “Foreign warships from allied nations like Spain, Brazil and Ghana are also set to participate in the exercise. “Other activities lined up for the day include capability demonstration by NN Special Forces, defence/maritime expo exhibition, combined naval parade and exercises,” he said. Garba said that the tenure of Buhari marked a period of profound transformation of the NN Fleet. He said that the president demonstrated enormous political will in ensuring the recapitalisation of the NN Fleet, which had become the pride of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). “Therefore, the PFR-2023 is in celebration of Mr President’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s naval assets and capability to project her instruments of maritime power for national prosperity,” Garba said.