The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment and redeployment of 65 Rear Admirals to strategic positions across the Nigerian Navy, Defence Headquarters, and Tri-Service institutions.

This is contained in a statement in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, on Monday in Abuja.

Adams-Aliu said the large-scale postings were part of efforts to strengthen operational efficiency and enhance the Navy’s maritime security posture.

He said the new postings reflect the CNS’s commitment to repositioning the Service for improved performance and synergy among commands.

Among the key appointments, Rear Adm. Suleiman Abdullahi, formerly at Defence Headquarters (DHQ), is now Chief of Logistics at Naval Headquarters (NHQ), while Rear Adm. Kasim Bushi moves from Headquarters Naval Training Command to the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria as Executive Director.

Rear Adm. Suleiman Dahun was appointed Director of Defence Cooperation at DHQ, and Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed becomes Commandant, National Defence College.

Others include Rear Adm. Musa Katagum as Chief of Operations; Rear Adm. Fredrick Damtong as Chief of Naval Engineering, and Rear Adm. Abdul-Rasheed Haruna as Chief of Training, all at NHQ.

Adams-Aliu also disclosed that Rear Adm. Abiodun Alade becomes the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Logistics Command; Rear Adm. Abubakar Mustapha as FOC, Western Naval Command; Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie as FOC, Eastern Naval Command; and Rear Adm. Suleiman Ibrahim as FOC, Central Naval Command.

He added that Rear Adm. Mohammed Muye had been appointed Commandant, Naval War College Nigeria, while Rear Adm. Abdul-Hamid Baba-Inna becomes the Navy Secretary.

The CNS, while congratulating the newly appointed officers, urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by rededicating themselves to duty, upholding professionalism, and contributing to national security and development.

Three days ago, NAF announced the redeployment of several senior officers in a strategic move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, fostering greater synergy, and aligning the Service’s structure with the command philosophy of the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.

The latest postings, approved by the CAS, affect key appointments at Headquarters NAF, field commands, and units.

According to Mr Aneke, the reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to optimise command effectiveness, improve decision-making processes, and reinforce mission readiness in line with the evolving security environment.

Some of the key appointments affected by the redeployment include several senior officers now assigned to critical command and staff positions across the Service.