By Joy Odor | Abuja
A new era has dawned in Nigeria’s military communication architecture as Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba on Tuesday officially assumed duty as the Director of Defence Information (DDI) at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, following the redeployment of Brigadier General Tukur Gusau in a recent reorganisation within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
In a brief but symbolic handover ceremony held on 4 November 2025, Gen Uba pledged to steer the Directorate under four strategic priorities unity of purpose, timeliness and transparency, digital innovation, and stronger media collaboration.
The new Defence spokesperson, a seasoned officer with a rich background in public relations, infantry operations, and defence education, promised to sustain robust civil-military relations while repositioning military communication to align with contemporary digital realities.
“Our focus will be on truth, timeliness, and technology. We must work as one to project the Armed Forces with integrity and professionalism,” Gen Uba declared, while commending his predecessor for his “modest achievements” and commitment to national service.
Born on 1 July 1968 in Kano State, Brig Gen Uba holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, and a Master’s in Strategic and Development Studies from the Bangladesh University of Professionals.
He is an alumnus of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College and the National Defence College, Bangladesh, where he earned distinctions for his strategic insight.
Over his distinguished career, Gen Uba has held critical command and staff appointments, including Commander 401 Special Forces Brigade, Cross Kauwa, where he was credited with halting ISWAP/JAS terrorists’ activities and fostering peace with host communities.
He also served as Public Relations Officer to a former Chief of Army Staff, Contingent PRO to the UN Mission in Rwanda, and Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
Until his current appointment, he was the Director of Joint Studies at the same college.
His military decorations include the Grand Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Field Command Medal, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award Medal.
He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, and an Associate of the Nigerian Society of International Affairs.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing Director, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and highlighted the Directorate’s achievements in strengthening public trust and institutional transparency.
“My stewardship was guided by the desire to foster trust between the military and the Nigerian people, amplify the sacrifices of our troops, and ensure accurate, timely reporting in a complex information landscape,” he said.
He lauded the media and civil society partners for their cooperation, urging them to extend similar support to his successor.
“The foundation we have built is strong. I trust Gen Uba will take it further embracing innovation and deepening engagement with the public,” Gusau added.
Both officers pledged continued collaboration to ensure that the Nigerian military’s narrative reflects its sacrifices, professionalism, and patriotism.
As Gen Uba takes the helm, the Directorate of Defence Information is poised for a digital transformation aimed at reinforcing national security communication, countering misinformation, and promoting the Armed Forces’ image at home and abroad.
