As part of the recent reorganisation within the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba has officially assumed duty as the new Director of Defence Information (DDI). He took over from Brigadier General Tukur Gusau in a brief handover ceremony held at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.

In his remarks, Brigadier General Uba pledged to align his leadership with four strategic priorities — unity of purpose, timeliness and transparency, digital innovation, and media collaboration. He commended his predecessor, Brigadier General Gusau, for his commendable achievements during his tenure and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Born on 1 July 1968 in Tudun Wada, Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba began his military career at the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the Short Service Combatant Course 30. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 13 March 1993 and initially posted to the Directorate of Army Public Relations before later redeploying to the Infantry Corps.

A versatile and well-educated officer, Brigadier General Uba attended several reputable institutions. He obtained his First School Leaving Certificate from Tudun Wada Primary School, Kano, and his West African School Certificate from St. Thomas Secondary School, Kano, in 1986. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano, in 1990, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in 2009, and a Master’s degree in Strategic and Development Studies from the Bangladesh University of Professionals in 2019.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Brigadier General Uba attended all key professional courses relevant to his career advancement, 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 served in numerous command, staff, and instructional capacities. Some of his notable appointments include: Officer-in-Charge of Administration at the former Infantry Centre and School; Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade, Cross Kauwa, Borno State; and Public Relations Officer to the Nigerian Contingent during the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda. He also served as Public Relations Officer to a former Chief of Army Staff, where he effectively projected a positive image of the Army’s leadership.

As Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Uba distinguished himself by demonstrating exceptional professionalism and tactical skill, successfully disrupting ISWAP and JAS terrorist operations while fostering strong civil-military relations with host communities.

He has also served as Chief Instructor and Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and later as DHQ Training Team Leader at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada. His other appointments include Deputy Director of Peacekeeping Operations and Director of Personnel Services at the Army Headquarters. Before his current posting, he was the Director of the Department of Joint Studies at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

Brigadier General Uba is a decorated officer and recipient of numerous awards and medals, including the 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.

He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, a Member of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Society of International Affairs.

Brigadier General Uba is happily married and blessed with children. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing squash and reading.