NDA Breaks Silence on Missing Cadet, Says Parents Were Promptly Informed

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has dismissed claims that it failed to act over the disappearance of one of its cadets, Stephen Gani, insisting that due procedures were followed and his parents were formally notified.

In a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna, the academy’s public relations officer, Major Reuben Kovangiya, said the NDA was responding to reports circulating on online platforms alleging negligence in handling the cadet’s absence.

According to Kovangiya, Cadet Gani was admitted into the NDA as a member of the 76 Regular Course and resumed training on August 26, 2024. He explained that the cadet’s training progressed normally until April 28, 2025, when he absented himself from the academy without official permission.

He stated that in line with established regulations governing cadet administration, Gani’s parents were formally informed of his absence three days after it occurred. Seven days later, he was struck off the Academy’s strength in accordance with administrative procedures.

The spokesperson disclosed that feedback later received from the parents indicated that Gani’s whereabouts could not be established, prompting the academy to initiate renewed investigative efforts, which are still ongoing.

Kovangiya stressed that the training and administration of cadets at the NDA are strictly guided by military laws, laid-down procedures, and long-standing traditions as outlined in the Academy’s Code of Conduct.

He urged the public to disregard claims suggesting inaction by the NDA regarding the cadet’s disappearance, assuring that the institution remains fully engaged in efforts to resolve the matter.

“We will continue to engage all relevant parties to ensure a positive outcome,” he said, adding that the NDA places high priority on the safety and well-being of all its cadets.

He further noted that the academy has adequate structures in place to account for cadets at all times, including regular stop checks and physical inspections.

Reaffirming the NDA’s core values, Kovangiya described the academy as a center of military and academic excellence, founded on discipline, diligence, loyalty, honor, and valor, and committed to producing well-trained and dedicated officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Nigeria, India renew military ties as Army chiefs push for stronger security collaboration

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Nigerian Army and the Indian Armed Forces have restated their resolve to deepen military cooperation and strengthen joint security efforts between both nations.

On Tuesday, Col. Manoj Singh, India‘s Defence Adviser to Nigeria, visited Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, demonstrating this renewed commitment.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the COAS underscored the strategic value of Nigeria’s long-standing defence relationship with India.

Shaibu highlighted India’s critical support over the years in the areas of training, capacity enhancement, and defence technology development, describing them as a partnership that has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s operational growth.

He called for even stronger collaboration in key fields such as counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, logistics support, and professional military education, noting that both countries stand to greatly benefit from a deepened alliance.

On his part, Col. Singh applauded the Nigerian Army for its persistent efforts in confronting evolving security threats across the country. He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded him.

Singh reaffirmed India’s readiness to expand its support by widening training opportunities for Nigerian troops and strengthening technical exchange programs that will benefit both militaries.

He added that New Delhi remained committed to advancing a mutually beneficial defence partnership based on trust, cooperation, and shared security priorities.

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal Landmark Defence Pact to Boost Military Cooperation

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday formalised a major step toward deeper security collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening defence and military cooperation between both nations.

The pact was endorsed in Abuja by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs, Dr Khaled Al-Biyari. The agreement was announced through a statement issued by Enderline Chukwu, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations.

Describing the MoU as “a significant milestone”, Matawalle said the agreement would fortify Nigeria’s defence architecture and boost the operational capacity of the Armed Forces. He noted that the collaboration aligns with the country’s strategic efforts to deepen international partnerships in tackling emerging security threats.

Under the five-year renewable agreement, both countries will cooperate in areas such as military training, joint exercises, intelligence sharing, logistics, technical assistance, and other defence activities agreed upon by both sides. The terms also allow for a review or renewal for another five years, with an option for either country to withdraw with a three-month diplomatic notice.

Matawalle added that the defence pact is expected to yield substantial benefits for Nigeria, including improved military education, enhanced preparedness through joint drills, and strengthened counter-terrorism efforts—particularly critical as the country continues to confront complex security challenges.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would open new channels of operational cooperation and further consolidate Nigeria’s engagement with global allies committed to peace and security.