President Bola Tinubu’s newly appointed Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, bring over three decades of distinguished military service, operational excellence, and strategic leadership to the helm of the Nigerian Navy.
Born on 20 September 1969 in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Rear Admiral Abbas has built a solid reputation as a disciplined, professional, and result-driven officer dedicated to national service.
Early Life and Education
He began his educational journey at Gwagwarwa Primary School, Kano, before proceeding to the Air Force Military School, Jos (1981–1986). He later gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on 12 September 1987 as part of the 40th Regular Course, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and commissioning as Sub-Lieutenant on 10 September 1993.
Military Training and Professional Development
A specialist in Above Water Warfare (AWW), Rear Admiral Abbas has undertaken several key professional and command courses at home and abroad. These include the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at NNS QUORRA (1994), Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji (2001 & 2005), and the Officers’ Long Course XII at NNS QUORRA (2003).
He also attended the United Nations Military Observer Course in Tanzania (2009) and graduated from the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, as a member of Course 23 (2014).
Distinguished Naval Career
Rear Admiral Abbas has served in several command and staff capacities across the Nigerian Navy. His early career saw him serve as a Watch-Keeping Officer on NNS ARADU, NNS DAMISA, and NNS AYAM. He went on to hold notable positions including Naval Assistant to the Deputy Commandant, AFCSC Jaji; Gunnery Officer, NNS OHUE; Instructor, NNS QUORRA; and Commanding Officer, Burma Battalion, NDA.
He later served as Base Administrative Officer, NNS PATHFINDER, and Naval Contingent Commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN. Between 2015 and 2017, he served as Maritime Guard Commander at NIMASA and Commander Task Group, Operation TSARE-TEKU.
His leadership trajectory continued as Chief Staff Officer and subsequently Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command. He was appointed Chief of Naval Safety and Standards (CNASS) in 2023 and later Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations (CDCMR) at the Defence Headquarters in 2024. Until his elevation as CNS, he was Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre.
Honours and Recognitions
Rear Admiral Abbas has earned multiple service medals and honours, including:
Passed Staff Course (psc), Fellow Defence College (fdc), Forces Service Star (fss), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Grand Service Star (GSS), and Defence General Staff Medal (DGSM).
He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS).
Personal Life
A devout Muslim, Rear Admiral Abbas is married to Mrs. Aisha Abbas, and they are blessed with two sons. He enjoy playing hockey and driving in his leisure time.
With his rich operational background and proven leadership acumen, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas is expected to build on ongoing reforms to enhance maritime security, operational readiness, and the overall efficiency of the Nigerian Navy.
