By Desire Emmanuel
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has reacted to the report regarding what it described as ‘mysterious disappearance’ of a Cadet undergoing training at the institution, Stephen Kubama Gani.
The NDA disclosed in a statement on Friday evening that the clarification became necessary following reports that Gani went missing from the academy without appropriate actions taken by NDA to ascertain his whereabouts.
The institution added that Gani was admitted into the academy as a member of 76 Regular Course and reported for training on August 26, 2024, saying the officers observed that he absented himself from the academy with effect from April 28, 2025 without official permission.
It also said that in accordance with established procedures and extant regulations guiding cadets administration in NDA, his parents were formally notified three days after his absence.
The NDA wrote: “Seven days after the occurrence, he was struck off strength following due administrative procedures. Meanwhile, feedback received later from his parents revealed that his whereabouts could not be ascertained and it led to renewed investigative procedure by the Academy which is still ongoing.
“It is significant to reiterate that the training and administration of cadets in NDA are strictly governed by military laws, procedures and time-honoured traditions as spelt out in the Code of Conducts of the academy. The NDA therefore calls on the general public to discountenance the claim that the institution is doing nothing about the Cadet’s mysterious disappearance.
“While we continue to engage all parties in this matter to ensure a positive outcome, we wish to reiterate that the NDA takes the safety and wellbeing of all its cadets seriously. Adequate structures are on ground to ensure every cadet is accounted for through regular stop checks and physical inspections.”
