By Our Correspondent
Abuja, July 8,’26 (TNZ) The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), on Wednesday, accredited new Defence Advisers and Attachés (DAA) from five countries, assuring them of adequate safety and support throughout their diplomatic assignments in Nigeria.
TheNewsZenith reports that the accredited countries and DA are the Republic of Ghana, Commodore Bright Jojo; the Italian Republic, Col. Aduardo Di Biaso; and Japan, Lt.-Col. Otsuji Nao.
Others are Col. Drissa Kone from the Republic of Mali and Brig. Tom Harper from the United Kingdom.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, said the accreditation formally authorised the officers to discharge their diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria.
Undiandeye said the officers would receive accreditation guidelines. According to him, the guidelines would outline procedures governing their official engagements and interactions with Nigerian institutions.
He urged the diplomats to adhere to the guidelines and observe due process in all official dealings with government ministries and military establishments.
The CDI assured them of their safety during official assignments. He added that the DIA must be notified ahead of any official travel.
According to him, advance notification will enable the agency to provide necessary security arrangements and logistical support throughout their movements across the country.
He urged the diplomats to experience Nigeria’s cultural diversity and hospitality, rather than judging the country solely through international security reports.
Undiandeye described DAAs as vital links for strengthening defence cooperation, military training, defence procurement and broader security collaboration.
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He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding defence partnerships, promoting mutual understanding and deepening longstanding relations with friendly nations.
Earlier, the Director of Foreign Liaison at the DIA, Maj.-Gen. Ojogbane Adegbe, said the ceremony marked the final stage of the accreditation process.
Adegbe said the accreditation granted full official recognition to the DAAs to perform their responsibilities in line with established diplomatic procedures.
He assured the diplomats of the agency’s continued support, urging them to promptly report operational challenges that may require intervention.
Adegbe reminded them to obtain necessary clearance from the agency before travelling outside Abuja or Nigeria.
He also directed them to seek DIA approval before visiting Service Headquarters, military formations and designated public institutions.
According to him, adherence to the procedures will prevent avoidable embarrassment and ensure official engagements comply with established protocols.
Speaking on behalf of the CDAs, the Doyen and Morocco’s Defence Attaché, Col. Mohammed Abounasr, commended the DIA for organising the accreditation ceremony.
Abounasr praised the agency’s professionalism and support to CDAs. He described it as the principal link between foreign defence missions and the Nigerian Armed Forces. (TNZ)
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