By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The new spokesman for the military high command, Samaila Uba, has officially assumed duty following the recent shake-up across the three services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Uba, a Brigadier-General, who took over from Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, assumed office at a brief ceremony held at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, where he unveiled four strategic priorities that will guide his tenure.
Speaking during the ceremony, Uba said that in an era defined by rapid information exchange, evolving defence and security challenges, and the pervasive influence of digital platforms, strategic communication is not merely a tool but a force multiplier.
According to him, his office serves as the bridge between the armed forces, the media, the Nigerian people, and the global community, noting that his mandate is to inform, educate, and inspire trust.
He stated that this mandate is foundational to national cohesion and the morale of the nation’s gallant men and women in uniform.
He added, “Today, I am reminded of the words of General Colin Powell: ‘Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.’ As custodians of defence information, we must embody this optimism, ensuring that every communication reflects the professionalism, sacrifices, and victories of our armed forces.”
Uba further revealed that under his watch, the Directorate of Defence Information will operate under four strategic priorities — Unity of Purpose, Timeliness and Transparency, Digital Innovation, and Effective Media Relations.
PRIME GOSSIP gathered that Brigadier-General Samaila Mohammed Uba was born on July 1, 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 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on March 13, 1993, initially posted to the Directorate of Army Public Relations before being redeployed to the Infantry Corps.
Uba attended several institutions, including Tudun Wada Primary School and Saint Thomas Secondary School, Kano, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate and West African School Certificate in 1981 and 1986, respectively.
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 Bangladesh University of Professionals in 2019.
Over the course of his career, Uba attended several professional military courses, including the Senior Staff Course at Ghana Armed Forces Command & Staff College and the National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Bangladesh.
He has held several key appointments in command, staff, and instructional capacities, including Officer in Charge of Administration at the defunct Infantry Centre and School, Officer in Charge of Demonstration Company, Depot Nigerian Army, and Commander of the 401 Special Forces Brigade at Cross Kauwa, Borno State.
While commanding the brigade, Uba distinguished himself by displaying professionalism and tactical acumen, effectively denying ISWAP/JAS terrorists freedom of action while maintaining excellent civil-military relations with host communities.
He also served as Public Relations Officer to the Nigerian Contingent in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda and to a former Chief of Army Staff, where he sustained positive image projection efforts.
Uba later served as Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and was seconded to the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, as the DHQ Training Team Leader.
He also served as Deputy Director of Peacekeeping Operations and Director of Personnel Services at Army Headquarters, as well as Director, Department of Joint Studies, at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, before his current appointment.
Uba 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.
The outgone military spokesman, Brigadier-General Gusau, congratulated his successor and pledged his support to ensure a smooth transition.