The Nigerian Defence Academy has refuted allegations of negligence over reports that a cadet, Stephen Gani, went missing from the institution without adequate response from its authorities.
The Academy described the claims circulating online as misleading, saying they failed to accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding the cadet’s absence.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Major Reuben Kovangiya.
“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.
Providing clarification, the Academy said the cadet was admitted as a member of the 76 Regular Course and resumed training on August 26, 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’s training progressed normally until he absented himself from the Academy without authorisation.
“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.
The Academy added that seven days after the incident, the cadet was struck off the strength of the institution in line with due administrative procedures.
It further disclosed that investigations were reopened after feedback from the cadet’s parents indicated that his whereabouts could not be ascertained.
“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.
The NDA dismissed claims that it failed to act following the cadet’s disappearance.
“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 of cadets, the Academy said it has structures in place to ensure accountability through regular checks and inspections.
It added, “Adequate structures are on ground to ensure every cadet is accounted for through regular stop checks and physical inspections.”
The NDA also reaffirmed its commitment to producing disciplined and highly trained officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing itself as a centre of military and academic excellence.