By Sumaila Ogbaje | Abuja, Dec. 20, 2025
In a resolute end-of-year address, the Commander of the Nigerian Army’s Guards Brigade, Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, has issued a stern warning to criminal elements, declaring that 2026 will bring intensified and sustained military pressure within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its surrounding areas. The commander vowed that bandits and other threats to security will find the region increasingly hostile to their activities.
Onasanya made this declaration during the Brigade’s annual ‘Ascent of Aso Rock’—a symbolic and physically demanding exercise marking the culmination of the formation’s training year. Speaking to journalists at the summit, he framed the event as more than a tradition; it is a critical test of the troops’ physical fitness, endurance, and unit cohesion, serving as a strategic platform to review the past year’s operations and solidify plans for the challenges ahead.
A Year of Expanded Mandate and Sustained Pressure
The commander revealed that 2025 was a particularly demanding year for the Guards Brigade, an elite unit traditionally tasked with protecting the President and key state assets. Its role has significantly expanded in response to the evolving security landscape.
“While our core mandate remains sacrosanct, this year saw us actively engaged in countering broader security threats within our Area of Responsibility (AOR),” Onasanya stated. “This shift reflects the dynamic nature of modern security challenges, where threats to the seat of government are not always conventional but can emanate from criminal networks exploiting peri-urban areas.”
He attributed the Brigade’s reported successes to a dual strategy: sustained, proactive military operations and deepened inter-agency collaboration. The Guards Brigade has worked in concert with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and received vital support from the Nigerian Navy and Air Force. This “whole-of-government” approach is crucial for intelligence sharing, logistical support, and creating a seamless security cordon.
Operational Highlights and the Evolving Threat
Providing specific context, Onasanya detailed key operations from the past year. “At the outset of 2025, we identified and targeted bandit enclaves and criminal cells lurking in areas such as Bwari, Abaji, Gwagwalada within the FCT, and extending into neighbouring regions like Toto and parts of Niger State,” he explained.
These were not mere reactive patrols but deliberate clearance operations designed to disrupt criminal logistics, dismantle hideouts, and restore a sense of security. The commander reported tangible outcomes: multiple arrests, recovery of illicit weapons, and the neutralization of several criminal elements. He emphasized that attempts to infiltrate or destabilize the capital were met with swift and decisive containment.
The 2026 Outlook: A Promise of Relentless Action
Looking forward, Brigadier-General Onasanya’s message was unequivocal. He assured residents of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment but directed his strongest words towards adversaries.
“The Guards Brigade is a highly motivated formation. We expect excellence, and we are prepared to deliver it,” he said. “Let this be a clear signal to any bandit, kidnapper, or criminal syndicate: the FCT and its environs will not be a safe haven in 2026. Any individual or group testing our resolve will be met with overwhelming and decisive force. Our operations will be continuous, adaptive, and unrelenting.”
Commending the Troops and a Call for Sustained Vigilance
Addressing his officers and soldiers at the rocky summit, Onasanya praised their dedication, discipline, and professionalism throughout a “tough and engaging year.” He credited their efforts for achieving the Brigade’s objectives without major setbacks.
However, he coupled this commendation with a forward-looking charge. “As we prepare for 2026, we must remain focused and even more committed. The operational demands will likely increase, and our vigilance cannot waver. No stone will be left unturned in ensuring the safety of our nation’s capital and its citizens.”
The successful descent from Aso Rock, conducted with an emphasis on safety and zero casualties, symbolically closed a challenging year while setting a disciplined precedent for the next. The commander’s statements underscore a strategic shift from purely ceremonial defense to an active, operational role in domestic security, signaling a determined effort to secure the heart of Nigeria against asymmetric threats.
Edited by Yakubu Uba | Source: NAN (www.nannews.ng)
