Born in Nko, Cross River State on September 27, 1960, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas attended Nko and Big Qua Primary Schools before moving on to Hope Waddell Training Institute and later the School of Basic Studies in Ogoja.
He enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on June 20, 1979, as part of the 26th Regular Course and was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
Throughout his career, Admiral Ibas pursued extensive professional development. He attended various training programmes, including a technical course in India, pilot training in Kaduna, and amphibious warfare training in the U.S. He also specialized in underwater warfare at NNS Quorra and obtained a master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan.
Vice Admiral Ibas held several command and instructional positions in the Nigerian Navy including watchkeeping officer and executive officer on various naval vessels in his early days.
Later, he commanded the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School and Forward Operating Base Ibaka, demonstrating his expertise in maritime security and naval operations.
His administrative roles were also significant as he served as the Directing Staff and later as Director of the Department of Maritime Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. He was also the Navy Secretary and Chief of Administration at the Naval Headquarters, where he played key roles in naval policies and logistics.
In January 2013, Vice Admiral Ibas became the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, where he oversaw major naval operations along Nigeria’s western maritime borders. This role prepared him for his appointment as Chief of Logistics in February 2014, followed by his leadership at the Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited in December 2014.
On July 13, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff. During his tenure, he focused on enhancing Nigeria’s maritime security, tackling piracy, and modernizing the naval fleet. His leadership strengthened Nigeria’s naval presence in the Gulf of Guinea and improved collaborations with international maritime security agencies.
His tenure also saw an impressive recapitalisation of naval fleet with several capital ships, patrol and House boats acquired and built to boost surveillance of the country’s maritime domain.
Vice Admiral Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff until January 29, 2021 when he retired and was appointed as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, a position he assumed on July 30, 2021. His diplomatic role strengthened Nigeria-Ghana relations, particularly in maritime security and regional stability.
His service earned him numerous military decorations, including the Silver Jubilee Medal, ECOMOG Medal, Forces Service Star, and Distinguished Service Star. He was also recognized with the Passed Staff Course (DAGGER) designation and became a Fellow of the National Defence College.
In October 2022, Vice Admiral Ibas was honored with the Nigerian National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Buhari. This award recognized his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s naval operations and national security.
Beyond his military and diplomatic career, Vice Admiral Ibas is a member of prestigious organisations such as the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and the Nigerian Institute of Management. His career remains a model of dedication, leadership, and service to Nigeria’s defence and international relations.
Vice Admiral Ibas is married to Theresa, a lawyer and their union is blessed with children and grandchildren.
