By V3edge
Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, Commander of the Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, has warned that bandits and criminal elements operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding areas will face sustained and intensified military operations in 2026.
Speaking during the Guards Brigade’s annual ascent of Aso Rock in Abuja—a traditional exercise marking the conclusion of the unit’s training year—Onasanya assured that criminals will not find the FCT a safe haven for illegal activities.
The annual Aso Rock ascent tests the physical fitness, endurance, and cohesion of troops while providing a platform to review operational achievements and prepare for the coming year, the Commander explained.
Onasanya noted that 2025 was particularly demanding for the Brigade due to increased security challenges beyond its core role of protecting the President.
“In addition to our primary responsibility of safeguarding the President, the year presented significant security challenges within our area of responsibility. However, we ensured that the Guards Brigade area remained safe, a fact residents of Abuja can attest to,” he said.
The Commander credited the Brigade’s success to sustained operations and close collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force.
Highlighting key achievements, Onasanya said the Brigade carried out multiple clearance operations against bandits and criminal networks in areas such as Bwari, Abaji, Gwagwalada, Toto, and parts of Niger State, resulting in arrests, weapons recovery, and the neutralization of criminal elements.
“Criminal attempts to destabilize the FCT were promptly contained. Anyone attempting to foment trouble was apprehended and neutralized,” he added.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Guards Brigade Commander reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to national security and warned criminals against exploiting the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
“The Guards Brigade is a highly motivated formation. As we move into 2026, bandits and criminals should know they will face decisive action. We expect nothing less than excellence from our troops,” Onasanya said.
He commended the officers and soldiers of the Brigade for their discipline, dedication, and professionalism, which ensured the successful completion of operational objectives throughout the year.
Addressing the troops at the summit of Aso Rock, Onasanya praised their resilience during a challenging year and urged them to maintain high standards of vigilance and professionalism in preparation for increased operational demands in 2026.
The annual exercise concluded safely, with an orderly descent from Aso Rock and no reported casualties, reinforcing the Brigade’s commitment to operational excellence and troop safety.
