The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) accredited 10 Foreign Defence Advisers/Attaches (FDAs) who had been deployed to Nigeria by their respective countries. The accreditation ceremony took place at the Defence Intelligence Agency Headquarters in Asokoro, Abuja.
The accreditation grants these Defence Advisers/Attaches (DAs) official recognition, enabling them to fully execute their duties in accordance with the guidelines set out by the DIA and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
During the event, Major General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), expressed his delight with the accreditation of the Attaches, highlighting that it would further strengthen the already existing mutually beneficial and cordial bilateral relations between Nigeria and its allies. He assured the Defence Attaches of the DIA’s support and commitment to assisting them in their diplomatic missions, adhering to the best global diplomatic practices.
General Undiandeye emphasized the Armed Forces’ unwavering dedication to enhancing the security and safety of the citizens residing in Nigeria, despite the challenges the country faces. He proudly mentioned the success of recent operations against terrorists, bandits, and other destabilizing elements, leading to a significant decline in terrorist incidents and loss of lives as reported in the global terrorism index.
General Undiandeye reiterated that the DIA serves as the crucial link between the Foreign Defence Attaches and the Federal Government of Nigeria, encompassing the Ministry of Defence, its Agencies, Institutions, Establishments, as well as other Ministries and Agencies in the country. He urged the diplomats to convey all official written communications through the DIA to facilitate appropriate action.
Brigadier General Ojogbane Adegbe, the Director Foreign Liaison (DFL), explained that while the Defence Attaches were allowed to carry out some low-level activities before accreditation, the official recognition now permits them to conduct their lawful affairs. The DFL assured the Defence Attaches of the Agency’s readiness to provide any necessary assistance for their success and encouraged them to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and code of conduct for Foreign Defence Attaches deployed for diplomatic missions.
Colonel Andrii Vasyliev, the newly accredited Defence Attache from Ukraine, expressed gratitude on behalf of his fellow Attaches for the accreditation, acknowledging that it bestowed official recognition upon them to fulfill their responsibilities as Defence Advisers and Attachés. He congratulated Major General Undiandeye on his appointment and expressed optimism in working with him for the benefit of Nigeria and their respective countries. Colonel Vasyliev pledged the full support of the Defence Attaches to the DIA and Nigeria to reinforce the already cordial relationship between Nigeria and their respective nations.
The accredited Defence Attaches are from Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Niger Republic, South Africa, South Korea, Tanzania, Ukraine, and the Republic of Zimbabwe. The event included the presentation of certificates of accreditation and souvenirs to mark the occasion.
