Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it failed to act over the alleged disappearance of one of its cadets, Stephen Kubama Gani, describing the reports as misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, Major Reuben Kovangiya, the Academy clarified that Cadet Gani, a member of the 76 Regular Course, was not “mysteriously missing” as widely reported.
According to the statement, Cadet Gani was admitted into the NDA and reported for training on 26 August 2024. His training reportedly progressed without incident until 28 April 2025, when he absented himself from the Academy without official permission.
The NDA explained that in line with its established administrative procedures and regulations, the cadet’s parents were formally informed three days after his absence. Seven days later, and following due process, he was struck off strength.
Major Kovangiya added that subsequent feedback from the cadet’s parents indicated that his whereabouts could not be ascertained, prompting the Academy to initiate renewed investigative procedures, which are still ongoing.
“The training and administration of cadets in the NDA are strictly governed by military laws, procedures and time-honoured traditions,” the statement said, urging the public to disregard suggestions that the institution had taken no action regarding the matter.
The Academy stressed that it takes the safety and welfare of all cadets seriously, noting that structures such as regular stop checks and physical inspections are in place to ensure accountability at all times.
Reaffirming its commitment to discipline and excellence, the NDA described itself as a bastion of military and academic standards, dedicated to producing highly trained and loyal officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
