By Joannes Paulus
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the newly appointed 25th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), exemplifies the finest traditions of professionalism, discipline, and dedication that have long defined the Nigerian Navy. Born on 20 September 1969, the accomplished naval officer hails from Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
His journey into military service began with his admission into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, on 12 September 1987, as a member of 40 Regular Course. Six years later, on 10 September 1993, he was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in the process.
Before his military career, young Idi Abbas laid a strong educational foundation at Gwagwarwa Primary School, Kano, and the Air Force Military School, Jos, between 1981 and 1986. These early years instilled in him a spirit of discipline and resilience that would later define his professional trajectory.
A Career Anchored in Excellence
A specialist in Above Water Warfare (AWW), Rear Admiral Abbas has undergone extensive professional and command training both in Nigeria and abroad. His academic and professional portfolio includes the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course (NNS Quorra, 1994), Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, in 2001 and 2005, and the Officers’ Long Course (OLC XII) specializing in AWW in 2003.
He also attended the United Nations Military Observer Course in Tanzania (2009) and graduated from the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, in 2014 as a member of Course 23—earning the prestigious title of Fellow, Defence College (fdc).
Distinguished Appointments and Command Experience
Since his commissioning, Rear Admiral Abbas has served on several Nigerian Navy ships including NNS Aradu, NNS Damisa, and NNS Ayam, where he honed his watch-keeping and operational command skills.
His leadership and instructional acumen saw him rise steadily through various strategic appointments—among them Naval Assistant to the Deputy Commandant, AFCSC, Jaji (1998); Staff Officer III, Marine Services, Naval Headquarters (2004); and Gunnery Officer, NNS Ohue (2006).
In 2007, he became an Instructor at NNS Quorra, and a year later, he was appointed Commanding Officer, Burma Battalion, NDA, a testament to his role in shaping the next generation of naval officers.
Between 2010 and 2012, he served as Base Administrative Officer, NNS Pathfinder, and later as Naval Contingent Commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN, demonstrating a consistent blend of administrative dexterity and field leadership.
He would later assume major operational commands, including Maritime Guard Commander, NIMASA (2015), and Commander, Task Group of Operation Tsare-Teku (2017). His tenure between 2018 and 2022 saw a steady rise through the Central Naval Command, where he served as Command Admin Officer, Chief Staff Officer, and eventually Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command.
In July 2023, Rear Admiral Abbas became Chief of Naval Safety and Standard (CNASS) at Naval Headquarters, and by February 2024, he was appointed Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations (CDCMR) at the Defence Headquarters. Prior to his current appointment, he served as Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre, Abuja.
A Decorated Professional
Rear Admiral Abbas’s career is adorned with numerous awards and decorations in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation. These include:
Passed Staff Course (psc)
Fellow Defence College (fdc)
Forces Service Star (fss)
Meritorious Service Star (mss)
Distinguished Service Star (dss)
Grand Service Star (gss)
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), reflecting his intellectual and managerial competence.
A Life of Service and Simplicity
A devout Muslim, Rear Admiral Abbas is happily married to Mrs. Aisha Abbas, and their union is blessed with two sons. Beyond the rigours of naval command, he enjoys playing hockey and driving, pursuits that mirror his dynamic and disciplined lifestyle.
From his humble beginnings in Kano to his rise as the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas stands as a symbol of diligence, quiet strength, and patriotic commitment — qualities that continue to inspire the men and women of the Nigerian Navy and the wider Armed Forces.
, exemplifies the finest traditions of professionalism, discipline, and dedication that have long defined the Nigerian Navy. Born on 20 September 1969, the accomplished naval officer hails from Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.){kind=link}