“Just promoted to Colonel this year, now Brigadier-General” – Confusion as Tinubu elevates ADC Yusuf twice in 12 months

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Nurudeen Yusuf, to the rank of brigadier-general, a move that has stirred confusion and discontent within the Nigerian Army.

Presidential Approval Official

In a letter dated 12 December 2025, addressed to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Wahid Shaibu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, conveyed the President’s approval for Mr Yusuf’s elevation.

The promotion reportedly comes less than a year after Mr Yusuf was decorated as a colonel, marking his second rapid rise within a 12-month period.

Concerns from Military Circles

The announcement has raised eyebrows among military officers, with some describing the promotion as unprecedented.

Several colleagues and coursemates of Mr Yusuf reportedly voiced frustration over the accelerated career trajectory, which they argue defies standard military norms.

“This beggars belief and defies all logic,” a senior officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told PREMIUM TIMES. “Someone who was just promoted to colonel this year?”

Presidency Cites Rank Alignment

A Presidency source, who requested anonymity, explained that the promotion was intended to align Mr Yusuf’s rank with other senior security officials attached to the Presidential Villa.

The source noted similar advancements in other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Services (SSS).

In August, the President’s Chief Personal Security Officer, Usman Shugaba, was promoted from deputy commissioner to commissioner of police, while the President’s Chief Security Officer in the SSS, Adegboyega Fasasi, was elevated to the rank of director.

The source stated that these positions are considered equivalent to a brigadier-general in the army.

Career Background of ADC Yusuf

Mr Yusuf was appointed ADC to President Tinubu on 1 May 2023, just weeks before the President’s inauguration.

At the time of his appointment, he held the rank of lieutenant-colonel, making his rise to brigadier-general in under three years notably fast by military standards.