Retired Navy Vice Admiral | 22nd Chief of Naval Staff (2015–2021) | Security and Maritime Expert
Early Life and Education
Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was born on 27 September 1960 in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria. He began his education at Nko Primary School before completing his primary schooling at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971. He then proceeded to the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar (1972–1976) and later attended the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja (1977–1979).
In 1979, Ibas enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 26 Regular Course, where he received rigorous military training. He was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant on 1 January 1983.
His professional military education includes:
Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course – INS Venduruthy, India (1983–1984)
Primary Pilot Training – 301 Primary Flying Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna (1986–1987)
Junior Staff Course – Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1990)
Amphibious Warfare Diploma – U.S. Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia (1992–1993)
Underwater Warfare Specialization – NNS Quorra, Nigeria (1994–1995)
Senior Staff Course – Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1996–1997)
National Defence Course – National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan (2005–2006)
Master’s Degree in Defence & Strategic Studies – Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Naval Career and Key Appointments
Vice Admiral Ibas held several command, operational, and administrative positions in the Nigerian Navy throughout his distinguished career:
Shipboard Assignments: Served on NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, NNS Aradu, NNS Ayam, and NNS Ekpe.
Executive Officer: NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe (1993–1996).
Commanding Officer:
Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School (1997–1998)
Forward Operating Base, Ibaka (1998–2000)
Directing Staff & Leadership Roles at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji:
Directing Staff (2000–2002)
Director, Department of Maritime Warfare (2009–2010)
Deputy Commandant (2014)
Ibas also served in key administrative and operational capacities:
Naval Provost Marshal (2003–2004)
Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Naval Staff (2004–2005)
Command Operations Officer, Western Naval Command (2006)
Commander, Naval Air Base, Ojo (2006–2009)
Chief Staff Officer, Naval Training Command (2010–2011)
Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters (2011–2012)
Navy Secretary (2012–2013)
Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command (2013–2014)
Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters (2014)
GMD/CEO, Nigerian Navy Holdings Ltd. (2014–2015)
Chief of Naval Staff (2015–2021)
On 13 July 2015, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) by President Muhammadu Buhari. Under his leadership, the Nigerian Navy enhanced maritime security, modernized its fleet, and strengthened collaborations with international naval forces to combat piracy, oil theft, and other maritime threats.
Recognition and Professional Affiliations
In recognition of his service, Vice Admiral Ibas was honored with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in October 2022 by President Buhari.
He is a member of prestigious organizations, including:
Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA)
Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM)
He has also participated in high-level security and leadership programs, including:
25th International Homeland Security Exhibition & 3rd International Exhibition for Operational Units (Tel Aviv, Israel, 2011)
London International Leadership Course (London, UK, 2012)
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Course (USA, 2013)
Conclusion
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas is a highly accomplished military leader whose career has significantly shaped the Nigerian Navy. His expertise in maritime security, defense strategy, and military leadership continues to be recognized both nationally and internationally.
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