By Augustine Ehikioya
To allow Foreign Defence Advisers/Attaches (FDAs) carry out their assignments, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has accredited 10 FDAs deployed to Nigeria by their respective countries.
This took place at the Defence Intelligence Agency Headquarters Asokoro, Abuja.
The Defence Attaches accredited are from Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Niger Republic, South Africa, South Korea, Tanzania, Ukraine and Republic of Zimbabwe.
They were presented with certificates of accreditation and souvenirs at the occasion.
Security Watch Africa (SWA) gathered that the accreditation ceremony grants the Defence Advisers/Attachés (DAs) the official recognition to fully discharge their duties in accordance with the guidelines set out by the DIA and the laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking during the event, the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Major General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye expressed “delight with accreditation of Attaches, stating that it will strengthen the already existing mutually beneficial and cordial bilateral relation between Nigerian and its allies.”
Assuring the Defence Attaches of DIA’s support and commitment, General Undiandeye said “Let me assure you that this Agency at all times is prepared to render all possible assistance to Defence Attaches/Advisers on diplomatic missions that are in tandem with the best global diplomatic practices.”
General Undiandeye further assured the diplomats of the Armed Forces’ unrelenting commitment in improving the security and safety of lives and properties of their citizens residing in Nigeria;
He said “the Federal Government through the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies remain resolute in improving security in the Country despite numerous challenges.
“In recent times, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has given terrorists, bandits and other agents of destabilization a bloody nose in various operations. I make bold to state that our resolve has largely paid-off”
General Undiandeye also reminded the DAs that the Agency remain the link between the them and the Federal Government of Nigeria; stating that “I want to reiterate that the Agency remains the link between the Foreign Defence Attaches and Ministry of Defence, its Agencies, Institutions, Establishments as well as other Ministries and Agencies in Nigeria.”
He also urged them to convey all their written communications on official matters to the DIA in order to facilitate further action as appropriate.
On the non-kinetic effort of the military, he said that numerous terrorists are surrendering to the Armed Forces on daily basis due to the non-kinetic effort of the military, in which the resultant effect is the enhanced safety and security of Nigeria and Nigerians.
He further revealed that the recent global terrorism index showed a sharp decline of terrorists’ incidents and loss of lives in Nigeria by 23 percent, compared to the year 2022.
He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is at the center stage of this significant accomplishment.
These, according to General Undiandeye, “is a clear testament to the fact that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is poised to sustain its onslaught against all enemies of Nigeria until our objective is achieved; which is a safe, secured, prosperous and united democratic Nigeria.”
Speaking earlier, the Director Foreign Liaison (DFL), Brigadier General Ojogbane Adegbe, stated “that although the DAs are allowed to carry out some low-level activities, the accreditation will give the diplomats the official recognition to conduct their lawful affairs.”
While congratulating the Defence Attaches for their deployment to Nigeria, the DFL assured them of the Agency’s readiness to render any assistance that will enable the DAs succeed.
He urged them to read through the guidelines and code of conduct of Foreign Defence Attache deployed for diplomatic missions as it will assist them to succeed.
He further encouraged the DAs to inform the DIA of all the issues they may be facing in the course of their duty to enable the Agency proffer solutions.
Giving vote of thanks on behalf of the newly accredited DA, the DA Ukraine, Colonel Andrii Vasyliev congratulated the CDI on his appointment and expressed optimism of the Defence Attaches to work with him in the interest of Nigeria and their countries.
He thanked the Chief of Defence Intelligence, for honouring them with the accreditation stating that “this has granted us the official recognition to fully discharge our responsibilities as Defence Advisers and Attachés; and for that we say thank you sir.
“We know you just assumed command here at the Agency not too long ago, but we believe in your experience as a senior officer in the Nigerian Military, we believe in your leadership capability and we trust you to help us achieve our mandates here in Nigeria.”
He assured the CDI that the DAs will give maximum support to DIA and Nigeria in order to cement the already existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and their respective Countries.
