“DIA Conference Resolutions will Enhance National Security” –  Minister of State for Defence 

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has said that the resolutions reached at this year’s Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual (DIA) Conference are aimed at enhancing the country’s capabilities to respond to challenges and issues that border on national security.

Dr. Matawalle made this assertion at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual (DIA) Conference 2023 held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

The Role of Defence Advisers and Attachés

The Minister of State for Defence described the role of defence advisers and attachés as instrumental in promoting understanding, intelligence-sharing as well as developing joint strategy to combat emerging threats to national security.

He emphasized that the important role played by the attachés and advisers has been contributing immensely to the strenghtening of the nation’s national security apparatus. He, therefore, urged them to continue to utilize diplomacy as a tool to engage host nations while learning from there experiences.

“I urge you the advisers and attachés to continually enhance your knowledge and the cultural understanding of respective host countries, embrace the diverse perspectives that exist within the region you operate in, seeking network and partnerships that promote trust and collaboration,” said Dr. Matawalle.

Speaking earlier in a closing remark, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, said the issues discussed at the conference place the defence advisers and attachés in a better state to maximally leverage opportunities in their respective countries of accreditation for the advancement of national scrutiny interest.

He reminded all the defence attachés and advisers of their basic task, which is the provision of intellegence for national security and development of Nigeria.

The conference, which was preceded by a one-week refresher training for the defence advisers and attachés, also featured a keynote lecture by Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor, as well as presentations, discussions, and operation briefs, among others.

The DIA Conference which began on Monday, 13 November, 2023 came to a close today, Friday, 17 November, 2023.

Pictures from the Opening Ceremony: