Plans to promote Nurudeen Yusuf, aide-de-camp (ADC) to President Bola Tinubu, to the rank of brigadier-general were reportedly shelved on Monday evening following the intervention of two former Chiefs of Army Staff, sources familiar with the matter have said.
Yusuf, who was promoted to the rank of colonel in January 2025, was said to be listed for elevation to one-star general through a “special presidential promotion,” a move that generated controversy within military circles.
Under established military procedures, officers are typically required to serve a minimum of four years as colonels and attend the National Defence College (NDC) before becoming eligible for promotion to the rank of brigadier-general.
According to sources, approval to waive these requirements was communicated in a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the Chief of Army Staff. However, the promotion was reportedly suspended shortly before it was to be formalised.
TheCable understands that concerns raised by senior retired military officers prompted a review of the process, leading to the decision to halt the promotion.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the presidency nor the Nigerian Army had issued an official statement on the development.
Credit: TheCable
