THIS DAWN — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved another special promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier-General in the Nigerian Army.
This was contained in an official communication from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated December 2025 and signed by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and addressed to the Chief of Army Staff.
The letter formally forwards the President’s directive for the elevation and retention of Yusuf as ADC to the Commander-in-Chief.
“I wish to convey Mr President’s approval of Special Presidential Promotion of Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf to the rank of Brigadier General and retention as ADC C-in-C with effect from 12 December 2025 for your necessary action,” Ribadu stated in the correspondence.
The promotion marks a significant milestone in Yusuf’s military career and follows his earlier elevation to the rank of Colonel.
The rank was promulgated by the Nigerian Army in December 2024 with seniority backdated to September 22, 2023.
He was subsequently decorated in January 2025.
Rapid advancement
Military sources confirm that Yusuf held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel as of 2022, prior to his rapid advancement through the senior officer cadre.
His latest elevation, however, is categorised as a “special presidential promotion”.
This is a discretionary power vested in the Commander-in-Chief under Nigeria’s military regulations, typically exercised in exceptional circumstances.
The decision has attracted public attention within defence and political circles, particularly because it comes barely a year after Yusuf’s last promotion.
Under normal military progression, officers are expected to serve stipulated minimum periods at each rank before advancement, subject to vacancies and performance evaluations.
The Office of the National Security Adviser did not provide further details on the specific considerations that informed the President’s approval, beyond the directive for retention of Yusuf as ADC.
Traditionally, ADCs to sitting presidents are drawn from elite military units and are regarded as trusted officers with close proximity to the nation’s highest office.
Lieutenant Colonel in 2022, Brigadier-General in 2025
In 2022, Yusuf held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Nigerian Army.
He was later promoted to the rank of Colonel, with the Nigerian Army promulgation made on 19 December 2024 and seniority backdated to 22 September 2023.
He was later formally decorated as Colonel by President Bola Tinubu in January 2025.
Supporters argue that the promotion falls within the President’s lawful prerogative and reflects confidence in Yusuf’s service.
Critics, however, have called for greater transparency in the use of special promotions to avoid perceptions of preferential treatment within the armed forces.
The Nigerian Army has yet to issue a public statement confirming the decoration date or outlining any consequential postings arising from the promotion.
As of the effective date—December 12, 2025—Yusuf is expected to continue his duties as Aide-de-Camp to President Tinubu in his new capacity as a Brigadier-General.
The development adds to ongoing discussions about military promotions, meritocracy, and civil-military relations under the current administration.
