Things To Know About the New Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas
The appointment of Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as the 25th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) heralds a new phase of professionalism, strategic leadership, and renewed operational focus in the Nigerian Navy. A seasoned Above Water Warfare specialist, Rear Admiral Abbas brings over three decades of dedicated military service marked by discipline, excellence, and unwavering commitment to maritime security.
Born on September 20, 1969, in Kano State, Abbas hails from Nassarawa Local Government Area. His educational journey began at Gwagwarwa Primary School, Kano, before he proceeded to the prestigious Air Force Military School, Jos, where he studied between 1981 and 1986.
In 1987, he gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 40th Regular Course and was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant on September 10, 1993, after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry.
A well-trained naval officer, Abbas has attended several professional and strategic courses at home and abroad. These include the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course and the 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 participated in the United Nations Military Observer Course in Tanzania (2009) and graduated from the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, Course 23.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rear Admiral Abbas has held numerous command, instructional, and staff appointments that have shaped his operational and administrative expertise. He has served aboard key Nigerian Navy ships, including NNS ARADU, NNS DAMISA, and NNS AYAM, as a Watch-Keeping Officer.
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He later became the Naval Assistant to the Deputy Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and subsequently Commanding Officer of Burma Battalion at the Nigerian Defence Academy. His other prominent appointments include Base Administrative Officer at NNS PATHFINDER, Maritime Guard Commander at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Commander of Task Group Operation TSARE TEKU, and Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command.
Before his elevation to Chief of Naval Staff, Abbas 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.
Having risen steadily through the ranks from Midshipman in 1996 to Rear Admiral on September 10, 2020, his career has been defined by consistency, integrity, and outstanding performance.
Rear Admiral Abbas’s service has earned him numerous military decorations and 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 also a Fellow of the Defence College (fdc) and a member of both the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS).
Known for his calm demeanour, strategic foresight, and results-oriented leadership, Rear Admiral Abbas commands great respect within the Armed Forces and the broader defence community.
Beyond his professional duties, he enjoys playing hockey and driving. He is married to Mrs. Aisha Abbas, and their marriage is blessed with two sons.
As he assumes command as the 25th Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas is expected to bring renewed energy, operational innovation, and strategic depth to the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing mission of securing the nation’s maritime domain and safeguarding its territorial integrity.
Under his leadership, the Service is poised to consolidate its gains in maritime security, strengthen joint operations, and enhance the Navy’s contributions to national defence and economic stability.
By PRNigeria
