DIA critical to counter-terrorism successes, Defence Ministry says

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, has highlighted the pivotal role of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats, attributing recent operational successes to effective intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.

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Pheelangwah made the remarks during a familiarisation visit to the DIA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, as part of his tour of agencies under the Ministry of Defence.

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He noted that intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies have significantly strengthened national security efforts, stressing that the DIA remains central to planning and executing responses to emerging threats.

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The Permanent Secretary urged the agency to continually adopt cutting-edge technologies to keep pace with evolving security challenges, while also emphasising the need to prioritise the welfare, training, and capacity development of its personnel to boost morale and efficiency.

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He commended the professionalism and dedication of DIA staff, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the agency’s operational capabilities.

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In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, described the visit as an opportunity to underscore the interconnected roles within Nigeria’s intelligence community.

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Undiandeye stressed that collaboration among security agencies is critical in tackling terrorism, extremism, kidnapping, and cybercrime. He explained that the DIA’s mandate includes proactive threat detection and providing early warnings to the armed forces and other security agencies.

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He said the agency deploys a combination of human, technical, and liaison resources to stay ahead of adversaries, noting that “accuracy and precision in intelligence operations are key” to successful outcomes.

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Despite challenges such as limited capacity, equipment shortages, and funding constraints, the Defence Intelligence Chief disclosed that the agency has recorded notable achievements, including reduced complaints of unintended targeting, as well as a decline in human rights abuses and civilian casualties over the past two years.

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He added that training, technology, and preventive intelligence remain top priorities, revealing that over 1,300 personnel have been trained in intelligence and related fields.

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Undiandeye further noted that advancements in technology have enhanced the agency’s proactive intelligence operations, attributing its successes to the integration of multiple intelligence tools and platforms.

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While appreciating the support of the President and the Ministers of Defence in securing funding, he appealed for increased resources to address operational needs, including staff welfare at foreign missions, timely release of operational funds, and acquisition of modern platforms.

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Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, directors from the DIA, and principal staff officers of the agency were present at the event.

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