Brig Gen Samaila Uba Assumes Duty as Director Defence Information
Following the recent reorganisation in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba has formally assumed duty as the new Director of Defence Information (DDI). He took over from Brigadier General Tukur Gusau in a brief but colourful ceremony held at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.
In his remarks during the handover, Brig Gen Uba pledged to anchor his leadership on four strategic priorities — unity of purpose, timeliness and transparency, digital innovation, and media collaboration. He commended his predecessor, Brig Gen Gusau, for his modest achievements and dedication to duty, while wishing him success in his future endeavours.
Brig Gen Samaila Mohammed Uba, an accomplished military officer and public relations professional, hails from Tudun Wada, Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. Born on 1 July 1968, he began his military career at the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of Short Service Combatant Course 30 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on 13 March 1993.
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He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano; a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration; and a Master’s degree in Strategic and Development Studies from the Bangladesh University of Professionals.
Throughout his illustrious career, Brig Gen Uba has attended several professional courses including the Senior Staff Course at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College and the National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Bangladesh.
He has held several command, staff, and instructional appointments within and outside the Nigerian Army. These include Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade, Cross Kauwa, Borno State; Contingent Public Relations Officer, United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda; Public Relations Officer to a former Chief of Army Staff; Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji; and Director of Personnel Services at Army Headquarters. Until his recent appointment, he was the Director, Department of Joint Studies at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
A seasoned officer with a rich background in military communication and leadership, Brig Gen Uba is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Society of International Affairs.
He is a recipient of numerous military honours and decorations including the Grand Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Field Command Medal, Passed Staff Course (Double Dagger), National Defence College (Bangladesh) Award, Nigerian Army Outstanding Tactical Command Medal, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award Medal.
Brig Gen Uba is married and blessed with children. His hobbies include playing squash and reading.