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.
By Asaye Bankole
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has issued a clarification in response to online reports alleging that a cadet, Stephen Gani, went missing from the institution without an adequate 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 action taken by the NDA to determine his whereabouts,” the statement said in part.
Providing further details, the Academy explained that the cadet was admitted as a member of the 76 Regular Course and resumed training on August 26, 2024.
“Cadet S.K. Gani was admitted into the Academy as a member of the 76 Regular Course and reported for training on August 26, 2024,” the statement said.
According to the NDA, the cadet later absented himself without authorisation, and the institution followed established procedures after noticing his absence.
“His training progressed without any issues, but he was observed to have absented himself from the Academy from April 28, 2025, without official permission.
“In line with established procedures and existing regulations governing cadet administration at the NDA, his parents were formally notified three days after his absence,” the statement added.
The statement further noted that seven days after the incident, the cadet was officially struck off strength after due administrative procedures were followed.
The NDA also disclosed that it reopened investigations after receiving feedback from the cadet’s parents.
“Subsequent feedback from his parents indicated that his whereabouts could not be ascertained, which led the Academy to initiate renewed investigative procedures that are still ongoing,” the statement said.
The Academy rejected claims that it had failed to act on the matter.
“The NDA therefore calls on the general public to disregard claims that the institution is doing nothing about the cadet’s alleged disappearance,” it said.
Reaffirming its commitment to cadet welfare, the NDA stressed that it takes the safety and wellbeing of all cadets seriously.
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