Keji Mustapha
By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-In-Chief, People’s Securitry Monitor
In the annals of Nigeria’s security architecture, few officers embody dedication, discipline, and resilience like Commandant Brah Samson Umoru. Born on October 22, 1967, in the quiet community of Payadana, Askira East District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State, Umoru has built a career that speaks of both humble beginnings and remarkable achievements. A proud son of the Kibaku tribe, his roots are as deep as his commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting the integrity of the nation.
Married to Mary and blessed with seven children, five boys and two girls, Umoru combines family devotion with public service, balancing the demands of personal responsibility with the rigors of national duty.
His educational journey laid the foundation for a career anchored in service and leadership. Starting at Askira Central Primary School in 1974, he moved to Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Uba, where he completed his secondary education in 1985. With a hunger for knowledge and a passion for teaching and administration, he pursued higher learning at Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Maiduguri, obtaining his Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1990. He expanded his expertise further with a Diploma in Computer Studies from YAYSIP Computer Institute in 2002 and a Diploma in Accountancy from Ramat Polytechnic in 2009. In 2017, he capped his academic pursuits with a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
His professional training reveals a man committed to self-improvement and operational excellence. Beginning with a six-month recruitment training under Nigerian Army instructors in Maiduguri in 1996, he underwent numerous specialized courses across Nigeria and abroad. These included weapon handling with the Police Mobile Force, counter-terrorism and counter-violence extremism at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja, and counter-IED training by the British Army at Maimalari Barracks, Maiduguri. His skills were recognized repeatedly, especially during weapon and counter-IED exercises, where he consistently emerged as the highest-rated sniper. International exposure also featured in his career, including participation in the 2017 Africa Security Forum in Casablanca, Morocco, and specialized training on voluntary principles of security and human rights as well as election security management.
Commandant Umoru’s career in the NSCDC has been as diverse as it has been impactful. Since joining the Corps in 1996, he has served in Borno, Osun, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, and Niger States, as well as at the National Headquarters in Abuja. He was the first Divisional Officer of Askira/Uba, the pioneer officer in charge of security at the Borno State House of Assembly, and the training and drill officer who introduced wooden gun training in Borno State Command. His versatility saw him hold critical positions such as Chief Provost, Protocol Officer, Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) head, Arms Squad Commander, Divisional Officer in multiple commands, and ultimately as Component Commander and Liaison Officer for Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri.
From 2020 to 2024, Umoru commanded the Commandant General’s Special Anti-Vandals Monitoring Squad (SAMS), a role in which he spearheaded operations against illegal oil bunkering and sabotage of national assets. He later served as Principal Staff Officer to the NSCDC Commandant-General, Professor Ahmed Audi, bringing his wealth of field and administrative experience to the Corps’ highest levels of policy and strategy.
His service has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his contributions to the fight against insurgency, Umoru was decorated with the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole Medal Award for his role in Maiduguri between 2016 and 2017.
Behind the uniform, Commandant Umoru remains deeply rooted in his culture and personal passions. His hobbies include hunting and games, a reflection of both his adventurous spirit and his connection to the outdoors.
From his early days as a storekeeper with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to his current position as a senior figure within the NSCDC, Commandant Brah Samson Umoru’s life tells the story of perseverance, service, and an unyielding commitment to Nigeria’s security. His career path demonstrates the transformative power of discipline and vision, making him not just a custodian of order, but a symbol of resilience for his community, his state, and the country at large.
