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BY PHILIP NWOSU
A gale of promotion is sweeping through the Ngerian Navy and Air Force and both service elevates 184 officers to the rank of two star generals, one star general and Captains (colonel equivalent in the Nigerian Army).
According to the Nigerian Navy,127 officers were elevated while the Nigerian Air Force, said it elevated 57 officers to the new ranks.
The promotion experts say marks a major uplift in the service’s leadership structure.
The spokesman of Nigerian Navy, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu gave the breakdown of the promotion as 15 Commodores were elevated to the rank of Rear Admirals, 31 Captains promoted to Commodores, while 81 Commanders advanced to the rank of Captain.
The newly promoted Rear Admirals are: 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.
Those elevated to the rank of Commodore are: 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.
Similarly, The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said 57 senior officers were elevated to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) and Air Commodore, in a move aimed at strengthening the Service’s leadership capacity amid ongoing national security challenges.
NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said th promotion highlights the Air Force’s drive to build a more agile, highly skilled, and strategically responsive force.
According to him, 27 Air Commodores who were elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, include; SA Eyoma, GI Jibia, AA Adebomehin, ES Odekina, CE Akubue, SO Eyekosi, AO Akinbuwa, LI Kamat, AG Akinyimika, AO Bamidele, AK Famuyiwa, PJ Edem, SA Madaki, OT Salami, FO Ankeli, MJ Chidama, JJ Ijudigal, M Umar, IJ Ogbodo, U Ariahu, AL Dakwat, CE Akpa, EC Ukpong, IS Subi, IM Yusha’u, SS Lazarus and F Ekpah.
Similarly he said, Thirty senior officers were also promoted to the rank of Air Commodore. They include Group Captains MA Imam, AA Komolafe, HI Eze, DU Edet, MB Umar, GH Okoh, SP Sekegor, PP Okonkwo, PU Okweugo, AU Yahaya, M Yahaya, IR Ubeh, OK Cole, EA Ifebi, RK Olundu, IO Akpasa, AK Mohammed, HA Meshack, SN Nwachi, ZB Shuwa, EJ Alabila, SA Osoniyi, AO Ogunmola, AJ Arumona, BI Jayeoba, CE Akuh, NN Onuoha-Mba, PA Garba, YM Abdullahi and M Suleiman.
NAF leadership described the 2025 promotion cycle as a deliberate effort to reinforce high-command capability, deepen operational expertise and enhance the strategic backbone of the Service. The officers were selected after rigorous assessments based on merit, competence, operational experience and alignment with the strategic goals of the Nigerian Air Force.
In a congratulatory message, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the newly promoted officers and their families. They urged them to rededicate themselves to their professional duties and remain steadfast in loyalty to the nation and to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
The CNS emphasized that the promotions reflect the Navy’s commitment to rewarding hard work, discipline, and dedication to service.
Specifically Air Marshal Aneke said the elevations reflect the officers’ dedication to national defence and their distinguished service records. He noted that the promotions come at a time when Nigeria faces a complex mix of security threats — including terrorism, banditry, cross-border crimes and emerging asymmetric challenges — which demand sharper decision-making and stronger leadership command structures.
“This elevation is not just recognition, it is responsibility,” Air Marshal Aneke said. “Nigeria needs leaders who can think clearly under pressure, act with precision, and inspire the personnel they lead. The nation is counting on you, and you must not fail.”
He urged the newly promoted officers to uphold integrity, discipline and operational excellence, while strengthening inter-service cooperation, intelligence exploitation and mentorship of younger personnel.
