The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, has said defence diplomacy remains a critical instrument for strengthening Nigeria’s security through international cooperation and strategic military partnerships.

Mr Undiandeye said this while speaking with journalists after the accreditation of foreign Defence Advisers and Attachés to Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said Nigeria’s deployment of Defence Attachés abroad was guided by the principles of defence diplomacy, just as allied countries post their representatives to Nigeria.

According to him, defence advisers and attachés represent the interests of their respective countries while promoting stronger bilateral and multilateral defence relations.

He said the officers also identified opportunities for acquiring technologies that enhance national security and strengthen military capabilities.

The CDI added that they facilitated military training, defence acquisitions and other areas of security cooperation between allied nations.

He said the engagements helped deepen mutual trust and strengthen international partnerships in addressing common security challenges.

Mr Undiandeye said defence diplomacy also contributed to global peace and collective security while advancing the national interests of participating countries.

He stressed that defence diplomacy was far more than the exchange of military representatives among friendly nations.

According to him, it is a continuous process that strengthens cooperation, enhances collective security and contributes to safeguarding national and global interests.

The agency accredited five newly posted Defence Attaches from Ghana, Italy, Japan, Mali and the United Kingdom.

 (NAN)