The newly appointed Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba, has officially assumed office at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, pledging to strengthen transparency, digital innovation, and unity of purpose in the dissemination of defence information.
In his inaugural speech delivered on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, Brig Gen Uba expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for the opportunity to serve, while reaffirming his commitment to advancing strategic communication that inspires public trust and projects the professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“In an era defined by rapid information exchange and digital influence, strategic communication is not merely a tool, it is a force multiplier,” he said. “Our mandate—to inform, educate, and inspire trust—is foundational to national cohesion and the morale of our gallant men and women in uniform.”
Highlighting his vision for the Directorate, Brig Gen Uba outlined four strategic priorities that will guide his tenure: Unity of Purpose, Timeliness and Transparency, Digital Innovation, and Effective Media Relations.
Under Unity of Purpose, the new DDI emphasized closer synergy among the public relations and information directorates of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to ensure a unified narrative that amplifies the collective achievements of the services. He noted that this coordination would extend to collaboration with other security agencies, exemplified by the presence of the Nigeria Police Spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, at the ceremony.
On Timeliness and Transparency, Brig Gen Uba said the Directorate will adopt proactive communication strategies and set up a rapid-response team to address misinformation and speculative reporting swiftly.
He also promised to embrace Digital Innovation by leveraging technology, data analytics, and social media to strengthen the military’s engagement with the public, particularly younger audiences, and international stakeholders.
Reaffirming his belief in partnership with the press, the DDI assured journalists of open and constructive engagement through quarterly forums aimed at fostering dialogue and countering divisive narratives.
“To our colleagues and partners in the media, we view you as allies in the pursuit of truth,” he said. “Together, we can counter misinformation and celebrate stories of valour and sacrifice.”
Brig Gen Uba also commended his predecessor, Brig Gen Tukur Ismail Gusau, for his achievements during his tenure, while pledging to build on his legacy. He called on officers and staff of the Directorate, as well as the Nigerian media, to continue their support and cooperation.
The new DDI warned against the dangers of misinformation, noting that adversaries often exploit digital vulnerabilities to sow distrust. He stressed that the Directorate will not “cede ground,” promising rigorous fact-checking, public education, and collaboration with cybersecurity experts to safeguard Nigeria’s information space.
Concluding his address with a quote from literary icon Chinua Achebe, Brig Gen Uba said,
“Until the lions have their own historians, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter. Today, we are the historians of the Nigerian Armed Forces, tasked with ensuring that the sacrifices of our heroes are recorded truthfully, celebrated proudly, and remembered eternally.”
He prayed for continued peace and progress for the Armed Forces and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Brig Gen Samaila Mohammed Uba was born on 1 July 1968 in Tudun Wada Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State to the family of Alhaji and Mrs Uba. He began his military career at the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of Short Service Combatant Course 30. Brig Gen Uba was commissioned as a 2Lt on 13 Mar 93 and posted to the Directorate of Army Public Relations and later redeployed to Infantry Corps. In his search for knowledge, the senior officer attended several institutions with corresponding qualifications. Some of these institutions include: Tudun Wada Primary School Kano and Saint Thomas Secondary School Kano for his First School Leaving Certificate and West African School Certificate in 1981 and 1986 respectively. Brig Gen Uba eventually proceeded to Bayero University Kano where he bagged a Bachelor of Art (Hons) in Mass Communications in 1990. The Senior officer also attended Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration for his Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration in 2009 as well as Bangladesh University of Professionals for his Master’s degree in Strategic and Development Studies in 2019.
In the course of his illustrious career, Brig Gen Uba has attended all courses relevant to his career progression in the Nigerian Army including the Senior Staff Course at Ghana Armed Forces Command & Staff College and National Defence Course at the National Defence College Bangladesh.
Brig Gen SM Uba has held several appointments in command, staff and instruction. Key among these include: Officer in Charge of Administration at the defunct Infantry Centre and School, Officer in Charge Demonstration Company, Depot Nigerian Army and
Commander 401 Special Forces Brigade at Cross Kauwa Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno state. While the Brigade Commander, Brig Gen Uba gave a good account of himself by exhibiting high level of professionalism and tactical acumen by denying the ISWAP/JAS terrorists freedom of action while sustaining an excellent civil-military cooperation with the host community. He was also the contingent Public Relations Officer to the Nigerian Contingent, United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda and Public Relations Officer to one time Chief of Army Staff where he sustained the projection of positive image of his principals.
Brig Gen SM Uba was a distinguished member of Directing Staff and Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji. Owing to his intellectual capacity and proficiency, the senior officer was also seconded to the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada as the DHQ Training Team Leader to train Nigerian Customs officers in command and staff responsibilities.
He was also the Deputy Director Peace Keeping Operations and Director Personnel Services both at Army Headquarters in the Department of Operations and Department of Army Administration respectively. Until his appointment as the Director Defence Information, Brig Gen Uba was the Director Department of Joint Studies at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji
The Senior Officer is a proud recipient of several awards, medals and decorations. Some of these include Grand Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Field Command Medal, Passed Staff Course double dagger (++), National Defence College (Bangladesh), Nigerian Army Outstanding Tactical Command Medal and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award Medal.
Brig Gen SM Uba belongs to several professional bodies. These include Fellow Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Member Nigerian Institute of Management, Member Nigerian Army Resource Centre and Associate Member Nigerian Society of International Affairs.
The Senior Officer is happily married and the union is blessed with children.
At his leisure, he enjoys playing Squash and reading.