The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has dismissed reports alleging negligence in the handling of the absence of a cadet, Stephen Gani, describing the claims as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Academy Public Relations Officer, Major Reuben Kovangiya, the institution said the online reports failed to present the true position of events surrounding the cadet’s absence from the academy.
“The report alleged that the Cadet mysteriously went missing from the Academy without appropriate actions taken by NDA to ascertain his whereabouts,” the statement partly read.
The academy explained that the cadet was admitted as a member of the 76 Regular Course and duly resumed training in August 2024.
“Cadet SK Gani was admitted into the Academy as a member of 76 Regular Course and reported for training on 26 August 2024,” the statement said.
According to the NDA, the cadet later absconded from the institution without authorisation, prompting the academy to activate its laid-down administrative procedures.
“His training progressed without any hitch, but he was observed to have absented himself from the Academy with effect from 28 April 2025 without official permission.
“In accordance with established procedures and extant regulations guiding cadets administration in NDA, his parents were formally notified 3 days after his absence,” the statement said.
It added that further administrative action was taken after the initial period of absence.
“Seven days after the occurrence, he was struck off strength following due administrative procedures.”
The academy disclosed that investigations were reopened after information from the cadet’s parents suggested that his whereabouts remained unknown.
“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,” the statement read.
Rejecting insinuations of inaction, the NDA urged members of the public to disregard claims that it had neglected the matter.
“The NDA therefore calls on the general public to discountenance the claim that the institution is doing nothing about the Cadet’s mysterious disappearance,” it said.
Reiterating its commitment to the welfare and safety of cadets, the academy said robust mechanisms are in place to ensure accountability.
It added, “Adequate structures are on ground to ensure every cadet is accounted for through regular stop checks and physical inspections.”
The NDA described itself as a centre of military and academic excellence, reaffirming its resolve to produce disciplined, professional and loyal officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.