The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has issued a clarification following online reports suggesting that cadet Stephen Gani went missing from the institution without a proper response from authorities.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Major Reuben Kovangiya, the NDA said the reports were misleading and did not accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding the cadet’s absence.
“The report alleged that the cadet mysteriously went missing from the Academy without appropriate actions taken by NDA to ascertain his whereabouts,” the statement said.
According to the NDA, Cadet SK Gani was admitted into the institution as a member of the 76 Regular Course and began training on 26 August 2024.
The Academy stated that the cadet later absented himself without authorisation, prompting the institution to follow established procedures.
“His training progressed without issue, but he was observed to have absented himself from the Academy from 28 April 2025 without official permission. In accordance with procedures and regulations governing cadet administration, his parents were formally notified three days after his absence,” the statement explained.
Seven days after the incident, the cadet was officially struck off strength following due administrative procedures.
The NDA added that it reopened investigations after receiving feedback from the cadet’s parents. “Feedback later received from his parents indicated that his whereabouts could not be ascertained, prompting renewed investigative procedures, which are ongoing,” the statement read.
The Academy rejected claims that it had failed to act, urging the public to disregard reports suggesting inaction.
“The NDA calls on the general public to discountenance the claim that the institution is doing nothing regarding the cadet’s disappearance,” it said.
Reaffirming its commitment to cadet welfare, the NDA said it takes the safety and wellbeing of all its cadets seriously. “Adequate structures are in place to ensure every cadet is accounted for through regular stop checks and physical inspections,” the statement added.
Describing itself as a bastion of military and academic excellence, the NDA emphasised its continued dedication to producing highly trained, disciplined, and loyal officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.