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

Undiandeye said this while speaking with newsmen 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.

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.

By Julius Tambaya, Abuja

Presidential hopeful of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed fears over his personal safety ahead of the 2027 general election, saying he might not be alive to contest the presidency due to what he described as sustained harassment and deliberate frustration of his businesses and activities.

Obi made the remarks during an interview  hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo and shared on X yesterday.

Responding to a question on whether he would emerge as the NDC’s presidential candidate in 2027, the former Anambra State governor said the issue went beyond securing the party’s ticket.

“Not even a candidate. I might not even be alive. I’m telling you. Every single thing I do for a living, this government is frustrating it. Deliberately so. Everything. So, there is even a possibility, if they have the opportunity, I will not be alive,” Obi said.

Although he stopped short of making a direct accusation against the government, Obi maintained that he has been subjected to persistent obstruction, which he believes is targeted.

“It’s not an accusation. I know. I get frustrated every day because you do things that you think would be normal; they are not normal anymore. They won’t come directly and say, ‘We’re doing this,’ but you can see their hand in virtually everything,” he stated.

Obi further alleged that the pressure extends beyond him, claiming that opposition figures across the country are facing similar treatment.

“They are attacking everybody who is in opposition personally. I am being attacked personally. Everything. Even to provide me with necessary things that I should have been entitled to, not at all,” he said.

To illustrate his claims, Obi recounted an incident at an airport where officials allegedly locked his vehicle while leaving others parked in the same area untouched.

According to him, even after identifying himself, the officer in charge reportedly insisted he did not care, while other officials appeared to question his presence.

He also claimed that some acquaintances now avoid greeting him in public for fear of being associated with him, while some supporters have privately urged him not to attend family events such as weddings to prevent possible repercussions.

Obi’s comments come as political consultations and alignments ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum, with opposition parties intensifying preparations for the next presidential contest.

From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau and Jude Dangwam, Jos

The worsening security crisis across parts of Northern Nigeria deepened on Wednesday and Thursday as fresh attacks by armed groups left dozens dead, several injured and many others abducted in Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang vowed that those responsible for the killing of 22 persons in Kawel community, Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area, would be arrested and prosecuted.

The victims were killed when gunmen invaded the community on Sunday night, shooting residents and injuring others. During a condolence visit to the area, the governor, represented by Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, described the attack as senseless, tragic and unacceptable, assuring residents that government would pursue the perpetrators and ensure justice. He also appealed for calm and urged continued cooperation with security agencies as efforts intensify to restore peace.

Meanwhile, suspected bandits struck Kuda-Kuda village in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing the village Chief Imam, Liman Audu, alongside three other residents and abducting several people, mostly married women. Witnesses said the attackers stormed the community shortly after midnight, firing sporadically, rustling livestock and operating for nearly two hours without security intervention. Residents identified the other victims as Yahaya Hasanu, Zahara Mu’azu and Ibrahim Dayyabu, while several others were reportedly taken into captivity.

In neighbouring Zamfara State, no fewer than 50 elderly community leaders from Magamin Diddi in Maradun Local Government Area were reportedly abducted after approaching a notorious bandit leader, known as Jammo, to seek permission for villagers to access their farmlands during the farming season. Sources said the elders had embarked on the mission in an effort to secure safe farming activities but were instead seized and remain in captivity. Governor Dauda Lawal distanced his administration from the move, reiterating his government’s policy of refusing negotiations with bandits and describing the elders’ action as unauthorised. He, however, condemned the abduction and said the matter was under investigation.

The latest incidents underscore growing concerns over persistent insecurity across several northern states, where communities continue to face deadly attacks, kidnappings and restrictions on farming activities despite ongoing security operations.