By Reportcircle Abuja
In one of its largest upward movements in recent years, the Nigerian Navy has announced the promotion of 127 senior officers, marking a significant reshuffle across its command structure and strengthening its leadership cadre amid evolving maritime security challenges.
The promotion approvals ratified by the Navy Board on Thursday, November 27, 2025 cut across the upper, mid-level, and operational command echelons.
A breakdown of the list shows 15 Commodores elevated to Rear Admirals, 31 Captains promoted to Commodores, and 81 Commanders rising to the rank of Captain.
The newly decorated Rear Admirals, now set to assume more strategic and theatre-level command roles, include: Olumide Olajide Fadahunsi, Patrick Emuebie Meteke, Ponfa Paul Nimmyel, Sulieman Wale Olorundare, Johnson Adekunle Adewoyin, Cajethan Nnabuchi Aniaku, Anthony Victor Kujoh, Abdulrahman Mohammed, Chinonyerem Emmanuel Oji, Adamu Yahaya, Chindo Usman Yahaya, Aminu Abdullahi, Orakwue Dennis Nnatu, Usman Garba Bala, and Samuel Anwuli Ogwu.
Also elevated are 31 new Commodores, a diverse group of specialists and operational leaders who will now take command positions critical to fleet readiness, logistics, training, and maritime operations.
They include Solomon Olushola Ohunenese, Mahmud Abubakar Fana, Taofiq Migdad Gidado, Mahmoud Hamman Hammanyero, Aliyu Gagidiba Abdullahi, Suleiman Gachi Muhammed, Abubakar Umar Sani, Mohammed Ali Kolo, Murtala Tafida Sulieman, Emmanuel Tamunosiki Fingesi, Suleiman Musa Abdullahi, Mustapha Tagoje Abdullahi, Olanrewaju Bejide Animasahun, Owens Ediale Adams Izilien, Olabode Teniola, Chris Chijioke Ali, Kabir Oladele Olanrewaju, Uzezi Egweh, Charles Eyo Iso, Elisha Bawa, Olumide Omololu Faneye, Oscar Chukwunonso Mbanu, Henry Ebute Ejeh, Galadima Mohammed Ciroma, Osuolale Ayotunde Eyitayo, Emmanuel Ajah Onu, Abubakar Ozovehe Aliyu, Ahmadu Shehu Mohammed, Ogbeche Richard Ochagu, Anastasia Nkechi Ossai, and Feyisara Medinat Solebo.
The wave of promotions coming at a time when Nigeria is strengthening its naval capabilities to tackle piracy, oil theft, smuggling, and blue-economy-related threats signals the Navy’s intent to consolidate experience, inject renewed leadership, and fortify operational command chains.
In a statement signed by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), the Naval Chief congratulated the newly promoted officers and their families, describing the milestone as both “a call to higher duty” and “an affirmation of their professional excellence and commitment to service.”
Vice Admiral Abbas urged the officers to “rededicate themselves to their responsibilities,” emphasizing loyalty to the nation and unwavering commitment to the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The promotions take immediate effect and are expected to translate into fresh momentum within Nigeria’s maritime defence architecture as the Navy intensifies efforts to secure the nation’s waters and advance its strategic modernization agenda.
