President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the accelerated promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier-General, a decision that has reportedly stirred unease and internal complaints within the Nigerian Army.
The promotion, formalized in a letter dated December 12, 2025, from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to the Chief of Army Staff, marks Yusuf’s second elevation in just 12 months, having been promoted to Colonel in January 2025.
This rapid ascent is viewed by some military insiders as a departure from conventional promotion protocols, where advancements to senior ranks typically follow strict seniority, tenure, and completion of required courses.
Reports indicate murmurs of discontent among serving officers, including some of Yusuf’s coursemates, who perceive the move as preferential treatment linked to his proximity to the President.
While the Presidency and Army have not publicly addressed the concerns, a presidential source provided context, noting that similar promotions were recently extended to the President’s security aides from other services.
In August 2025, the Nigeria Police Force promoted the President’s Chief Personal Security Officer, Usman Shugaba, from Deputy Commissioner to Commissioner of Police. Likewise, the Department of State Services (DSS) elevated the President’s Chief Security Officer, Adegboyega Fasasi, to the rank of Director—positions considered equivalent to Brigadier-General in the Army.
The source suggested that without this promotion, Yusuf would have been subordinate in rank to his counterparts in the Presidential security team, potentially affecting hierarchy and coordination within the Villa.
Nurudeen Yusuf was appointed ADC to President Tinubu on May 1, 2023, while still a Lieutenant-Colonel. His progression to Brigadier-General within such a short timeframe has ignited debate on fairness, morale, and the balance between operational cohesion and established military promotion norms.
