Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Akomaye Parker Undiandeye, addressed foreign Defence Advisers and Defence Attaches in Abuja at their third-quarter operational briefing. He assured them that the Federal Government is prepared to conduct peaceful and transparent elections in 2027. Undiandeye emphasized that the armed forces would neither take over nor control the polls, dismissing allegations of militarization.
Undiandeye urged foreign military representatives to verify reports about Nigeria's security situation and the 2027 elections before relying on claims circulating on social media. He warned that misinformation and disinformation could distort the true picture of developments in the country. The Defence Intelligence chief stressed that the military's role would be limited to providing security and logistical support to election personnel and materials.
The Defence Intelligence chief made clear that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would retain responsibility for conducting the elections. He said the military would support the process by securing election personnel and materials when necessary. Undiandeye's assurance aims to alleviate concerns about Nigeria's electoral process.
Lt. Gen. Undiandeye devoted a significant part of his address to the growing influence of misinformation and disinformation, particularly through social media. He urged the foreign defence advisers and attaches to question information that appeared doubtful and seek confirmation from appropriate authorities. This approach would help establish the real story and distinguish facts from falsehoods.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence highlighted improvements in Nigeria's security environment, acknowledging the contribution of international partners to the country's counter-security efforts. He thanked foreign defence advisers and attaches for their cooperation with Nigeria, particularly support provided to the armed forces through equipment, training, and other forms of security assistance.
Undiandeye also noted that some Nigerians living abroad had expressed concerns about insecurity in the country based on information received through various channels. He urged foreign representatives to assess such reports against their own experiences and observations during visits to different parts of the country. This would provide a more accurate understanding of Nigeria's security situation.
The regular operational briefings were intended to provide foreign representatives with authoritative information that could be conveyed to their respective headquarters. Undiandeye insisted that, after the necessary briefing, there should be an extension of the report to enable foreign representatives to file an authoritative report with their headquarters.
Key points
- Nigeria's Defence Intelligence chief assures foreign defence advisers of peaceful 2027 elections.
- The military will provide security and logistical support to election personnel and materials.
- The Defence Intelligence chief warns against the spread of misinformation and disinformation about Nigeria's security situation.
