Ogona Anita
The newly appointed Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, has assumed office as the 36th Deputy Director of the Division.
Colonel Abdullahi assumed office on 16th October, 2026.
Shortly after assumption of office, the senior officer paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, on Tuesday, 20th October, 2026.
Speaking during the visit, Colonel Abdullahi disclosed that upon resumption, he informed his General Officer Commanding (GOC) that his first official assignment would be to visit the NUJ Kaduna State Council. According to him, when the GOC asked for his reason, he explained that the press remains a critical partner he must work with to succeed.
He noted that his familiarity with Kaduna, where he had previously served as media personnel for the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), made the visit more personal, as he had interacted with several journalists in the state years ago.
On arrival at the NUJ Secretariat, Colonel Abdullahi and his team were warmly received by the State Executive Council and members of the Union.
The Secretary of the Council, Comrade Gambo Santos Sanga, who welcomed the delegation, said the council was pleased to see Colonel Abdullahi again after many years. He thereafter introduced members of the EXCO present before inviting the Chairman to formally welcome the guests.
In his remarks, the Chairman of NUJ Kaduna State Council, Comrade Abdulgafar Alabelewe, congratulated Colonel Abdullahi on his promotion to the rank of Colonel and his redeployment to Kaduna.
Alabelewe commended the efforts of the GOC, 1 Division, in maintaining a relatively peaceful atmosphere in Kaduna communities and urged the Division to sustain the momentum. He however pointed out that there are still flash points of insecurity, particularly around the Millennium City area of Kaduna, expressing hope that 1 Division will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to address the challenge.
The NUJ Chairman pledged the support of journalists in the state to cooperate and collaborate with the Division to ensure the public is well informed of its activities. He noted that Colonel Abdullahi is already an associate member of the NUJ.
Earlier, an officer in the entourage of the Deputy Director, Captain Bello, introduced Colonel Abdullahi as a seasoned and well-trained media officer with over three decades of experience in military public relations, and with a track record of maintaining cordial relationship with the press.
In his response, Colonel Abdullahi said he was elated to meet fellow professionals in the media industry. He emphasized that no security agency can succeed in isolation, stressing the need for synergy, cooperation and collaboration between the military and the media.
Recalling his past cordial working relationship with journalists in Kaduna, he solicited for maximum support from the NUJ to enable him succeed in his new assignment. He expressed delight at returning to Kaduna after years of service in various formations within and outside Nigeria.
