By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Nigerian Army has yet to respond officially to reports that President Bola Tinubu approved the promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Nurudeen Yusuf, to the rank of brigadier-general, amid alleged disquiet among some serving officers.
The controversy followed a report by Premium Times, which claimed that the approval was conveyed in a letter dated December 12, 2025, addressed to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Wahid Shaibu, with copies reportedly sent to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
When contacted for clarification on Monday, the Army spokesperson, Col. Onyechi Anele, asked that enquiries be deferred until later in the day.
However, as of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued.
According to the report, some officers, including Yusuf’s alleged coursemates, expressed concern over what they described as an unusual fast-tracking of his promotion.
The authenticity of the purported letter could not be independently verified.
Several military sources dismissed the claim, insisting that such a promotion would contravene established military regulations. One source said Yusuf was promoted to the rank of colonel in 2024 and must serve a minimum of four years in that rank before becoming eligible for promotion to brigadier-general.
“The President’s ADC was promoted to colonel in 2024 and cannot be promoted again at this time,” the source said.
The sources also questioned the role attributed to the NSA, noting that while the appointment of an ADC is at the President’s discretion, promotions follow strict procedures within the armed forces.
Commenting on the matter, a former Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Gen. Ishola Williams (retd.), described the reported development as inconsistent with military practice, adding that ADCs usually serve briefly before returning to regular duties.
However, a former Army spokesperson, Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (retd.), said accelerated promotions were not entirely unprecedented, citing past instances where officers were rewarded for exceptional but non-public service.
