Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba is a senior officer in the Nigerian Army who, as of November 2025, serves as Director of Defence Information (DDI) at the Defence Headquarters. Known for his strategic communications skills and military professionalism, Gen. Uba has held various command, staff, and instructional roles over his long career. He is widely respected for combining military duty with public relations expertise.
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Highlights of Brigadier General Samaila M. Uba Biography
- Full Name: Samaila Mohammed Uba
- Date of Birth: July 1, 1968
- Age: 57 (as of 2025)
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Profession: Brigadier General, Nigerian Army
- Current Role (2025): Director of Defence Information, Defence Headquarters
- Education: BA in Mass Communication; Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration; Master’s in Strategic & Development Studies
- Marital Status: Married, with children
- Notable Posts: Commander 401 Special Forces Brigade, Staff College Instructor, Peacekeeping Operations Staff
Early Life
Samaila Mohammed Uba was born on July 1, 1968, in Tudun Wada, a neighborhood in Kano State, Nigeria. Growing up in Kano, he was raised in a disciplined household that valued education and service. From a young age, Uba displayed an interest in leadership and public engagement, traits that would later inform both his military and communications career.
His childhood reflected the typical challenges and opportunities of Northern Nigeria: balancing community expectations, formal schooling, and personal ambition. These early experiences helped him develop a strong sense of purpose and duty, which he carried into the military.
Education
Uba’s educational path is notable for merging communication skills with military training:
- Primary & Secondary Education: He attended local schools in Kano, completing his First School Leaving Certificate and West African Secondary School Certificate in the mid-1980s.
- Undergraduate Degree: He earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano in 1990. This academic foundation equipped him with media and communication skills rare among traditional military officers.
- Postgraduate Studies:
- He completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2009.
- Later, he earned a Master’s in Strategic and Development Studies from the Bangladesh University of Professionals in 2019.
- Military Training: Uba attended major military educational programs, including the Senior Staff Course at the Ghana Armed Forces Command & Staff College, and the National Defence Course at the National Defence College in Bangladesh.
His dual training in strategic communication and military leadership positioned him to bridge the gap between defence operations and public messaging.
Military Career
Early Commissioning
Uba began his military career after being admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of Short Service Combatant Course 30. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on March 13, 1993. Initially, he was posted to the Directorate of Army Public Relations, leveraging his communication education, but was later deployed to the Infantry Corps.
Command and Staff Roles
Over the years, Uba has held numerous command, staff, and instructional positions:
- Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade: In this role, particularly while stationed in Borno State, he was involved in counter-insurgency operations, working to restrict the movements of insurgent groups and improve civil-military relations in volatile areas.
- Public Relations Officer (PRO): He served as a PRO to a former Chief of Army Staff and also held the position of Contingent PRO for Nigeria’s UN mission in Rwanda. His communications background made him well-suited for these high-profile roles.
- Instructor and Staff College Leadership: He taught at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, serving as Chief Instructor and Directing Staff. Additionally, he was seconded to the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College to lead training teams.
- Administrative and Peacekeeping Roles: He has served as Deputy Director for Peacekeeping Operations and Director of Personnel Services at Army Headquarters. His broad experience also includes leading joint studies and doctrine development at staff colleges.
Director of Defence Information (DDI)
In November 2025, Uba was appointed Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s military communications strategy. During his handover, he announced four strategic priorities:
- Unity of purpose
- Timeliness and transparency
- Digital innovation
- Media collaboration
As DDI, he is responsible for managing the flow of information between the military and the public, enhancing transparency, and strengthening the military’s narrative in national and international space.
Awards and Professional Associations
Brig Gen Uba’s service has earned him several military honors, including:
- Grand Service Star
- Distinguished Service Star
- Field Command Medal
- Passed Staff Course “Double Dagger”
- Outstanding Tactical Command Medal
- Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award
He is also associated with professional bodies:
- Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
- Member, Nigerian Institute of Management
- Member, Nigerian Army Resource Centre
- Associate, Nigerian Society of International Affairs
Personal Life
Samaila Uba is married and has children. While he leads a high-profile military and public life, he keeps his family largely out of the spotlight. He enjoys playing squash and reading in his spare time, reflecting his intellectual bent and preference for structured hobbies.
His interpersonal style, combining approachability with discipline, has made him a respected figure both in the military and in professional communications circles.
Net Worth
There is no publicly verified data on Brig Gen Uba’s exact net worth, and military salaries in Nigeria are not always transparent. However, given his senior rank, lengthy career, and additional educational achievements, his financial status is likely stable and comfortable. His lifestyle is consistent with that of a senior military officer who values service more than extravagance.
Legacy and Impact
Brig Gen Samaila Mohammed Uba represents a modern breed of military leader in Nigeria—one who blends operational leadership with effective communication. As the Director of Defence Information, he is uniquely positioned to steer the Nigerian Army’s engagement with media, technology, and public perception.
His appointment comes at a strategic time, as the military increasingly recognizes the importance of information warfare, public trust, and digital communication. Uba’s emphasis on transparency and media partnership signals a shift in how the military communicates with citizens.
His previous leadership roles in counter-insurgency, training, and public relations also suggest that he understands both the hard power of combat and the soft power of narrative.
Conclusion
Brigadier General Samaila M. Uba is a distinguished Nigerian military officer whose career bridges combat operations, strategic communication, and military education. His journey — from a communication scholar to a senior general and now head of defence information — showcases the evolving role of modern military leadership.
As he steps into his role as Director of Defence Information, he brings not only decades of experience but also a forward-looking vision: one where digital innovation, transparency, and trust are central to national security. His leadership may well shape how the Nigerian Armed Forces engage with the world in an information-driven era.
FAQs About Brig Gen Samaila M. Uba
How old is Brig Gen Samaila Uba?
He was born on July 1, 1968, making him 57 years old in 2025.
Where was he born?
He is from Tudun Wada in Kano State, Nigeria.
What is his educational background?
He holds a BA in Mass Communication, a PG Diploma in Public Administration, and a Master’s in Strategic & Development Studies.
What role does he currently hold?
As of November 2025, he is the Director of Defence Information at Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters.
Is he married?
Yes, he is married and has children.
What are his career strengths?
He is known for his expertise in military public relations, counter-insurgency command, strategic communication, and military education.
