The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has solicited for the support and cooperation of foreign military mission in the country as part of the efforts towards tackling the current security challenges in Nigeria. The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Rear Admiral Gabriel Edmund Okoi, made the appeal recently in Abuja while addressing foreign Defence Advisers/Attaches (DAs) resident in Nigeria during the Agency’s quarterly briefing.

The CDI enjoined the DAs to cooperate with the Agency by assisting in proffering solution to move Nigeria forward. He expressed delight with the cordial relationship already existing between the agency and the DAs, assuring them of a more harmonious working relationship. He pledged the Agency’s support towards making their assignment in Nigeria less cumbersome.

Earlier, the director, foreign liaison (DFL), Maj Gen JN Nimyel, stated that the quarterly briefing was part of a scheduled routine update on the happening in Nigeria, with a view to communicating the true situation of events in Nigeria to the Armed Forces of their countries. He added that this would foster better cooperation between the countries.

Gen Nimyel noted that the briefing was an opportunity for the CDI to meet the DAs since his assumption of duty. He urged the DAs to avail themselves of the opportunity and contribute positively as well as clear doubts were necessary. The briefing was attended by the Deputy CDI, air vice Marshal BG Saidu, Directors and other staff of the Agency.

In another development, the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons recently paid a visit to the DIA. Speaking during the visit, the Chairman, Ambassador Emmanuel Imohe, stated that the team was in DIA to solicit for support and cooperation of the Agency towards the attainment of its mandate. He further stated that the inauguration of the committee by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 was necessitated by Nigerian Government desire to tackle proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

Ambassador Imohe outlined some priorities of the committee to include fashioning legislation, domestication of existing laws and programme for tracing, mopping surplus as well as obsolete weapons among relevant security agencies of government. He thanked the Agency for granting the committee audience despite short notice.

Responding, the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Rear Admiral Gabriel Edmund Okoi, assured the Committee of the Agency’s cooperation and assistance. He commended the Committee for its achievement within the shortest possible time and wished the members a successful tour of duty.

•Photo shows Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Rear Admiral Gabriel Edmund Okoi, exchanging pleasantries with foreign Defence Advisers/Attaches (DAs) resident in Nigeria during the Agency’s recent quarterly briefing in Abuja.

Update news