By Nkechi Eze
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, has called on the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to adopt cutting-edge technologies to enhance its intelligence operations and effectively respond to evolving security challenges.
Pheelangwah made the call during a familiarisation visit to the leadership of the Defence Intelligence Agency on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Abuja, as part of his tour of agencies under the Ministry of Defence.
During the visit, the Permanent Secretary commended the professionalism and dedication of DIA personnel, acknowledging their critical role in intelligence gathering, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency collaboration. He noted that these efforts have significantly contributed to the successes recorded in tackling terrorism, banditry, and other security threats across the country, attributing the progress to the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He emphasised the strategic importance of the Agency in national security planning and urged it to remain proactive by leveraging modern technologies to stay ahead of emerging threats. Pheelangwah also stressed the need to prioritise personnel welfare, training, and capacity building to boost morale and enhance operational efficiency. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of the Agency to enable it to discharge its mandate effectively.
In his response, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, described the visit as an opportunity to highlight the interconnected roles within the intelligence community. He stressed that collaboration remains essential in addressing threats such as terrorism, extremism, kidnapping, and cybercrime.
Undiandeye explained that the core mandate of the DIA is to proactively prevent and neutralise threats through early warning systems for the Armed Forces and other security agencies. He noted that the Agency relies on a combination of human intelligence, technical capabilities, and strategic partnerships to stay ahead of adversaries, adding that accuracy and precision remain central to its operations.
Despite challenges such as limited capacity, equipment shortages, and funding constraints, the CDI highlighted key achievements of the Agency, including a reduction in unintended targeting, fewer cases of human rights abuses, and minimized civilian casualties over the past two years. He further disclosed that over 1,300 personnel have been trained in intelligence and related fields, while advances in technology have significantly improved the Agency’s preventive and proactive intelligence capabilities.
The CDI also acknowledged the support of the President and the Ministers of Defence in facilitating funding for the Agency, while appealing for additional resources to address staff welfare at foreign missions, ensure timely release of operational funds, and acquire modern operational platforms.
The visit was attended by directors from the Ministry of Defence and the DIA, as well as principal staff officers of the Agency, further underscoring the importance of collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s intelligence architecture.
