Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba has officially assumed office as the new Director of Defence Information, DDI, following a fresh round of reorganisation within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He takes over from Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who handed over the reins at a brief but formal ceremony held on Tuesday at Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
In his inaugural remarks, Brig Gen Uba pledged to run the Directorate on four strategic priorities: unity of purpose, timely communication, transparency, and digital innovation—while deepening collaboration with the media.
He thanked his predecessor for what he described as “notable achievements” and wished him success in future postings.
Born on July 1, 1968, in Tudun Wada, Kano State, Uba’s career reflects three decades of military service steeped in operational command, public relations, peacekeeping, training, and strategic defence administration.
A member of Short Service Combatant Course 30, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on March 13, 1993.
He initially served in the Directorate of Army Public Relations before moving to the Infantry Corps.
His academic trajectory is equally diverse—graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Bayero University Kano in 1990, followed by a Post-Graduate Diploma from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration and a Master’s degree in Strategic and Development Studies from Bangladesh University of Professionals.
Throughout his service, Brig Gen Uba attended key military and strategic courses, including the Senior Staff Course at the Ghana Armed Forces Command & Staff College and the National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Bangladesh.
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His experience spans command, staff, instructional, and international roles. He previously commanded the 401 Special Forces Brigade in Cross Kauwa, Borno State, where he was credited with disrupting ISWAP/JAS activities while strengthening civil-military relations in host communities.
He once served as the Public Relations Officer to a former Chief of Army Staff and was the contingent PRO for the Nigerian troops deployed under the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda.
Uba has also distinguished himself in training institutions, serving as Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and later heading the Department of Joint Studies.
His expertise also saw him deployed to the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College as Team Lead for defence-related training.
His honours include the Grand Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Field Command Medal, Nigerian Army Outstanding Tactical Command Medal, Passed Staff Course (++) and several commendation awards.
A fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and member of multiple professional bodies, Brig Gen Uba is married with children. His hobbies include squash and reading.
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