The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, has warned that bandits and criminal elements operating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding areas will face heightened and sustained military pressure in 2026. He assured that the area will not be conducive for criminal activities.
Onasanya spoke on Saturday in Abuja while addressing journalists during the Guards Brigade’s annual ascent of Aso Rock, a tradition marking the end of the formation’s training year. The exercise tests troops’ physical fitness, endurance, and cohesion, while also serving as a platform to review operations and plan for the coming year.
He noted that 2025 was particularly demanding due to increased operational engagements beyond the Brigade’s traditional role of protecting the President.
“In addition to our core responsibility of protecting the President, this year has been very challenging because of the increase in security demands within our area of responsibility. However, it has also been very rewarding because we were able to ensure that the Guards Brigade area of responsibility remained safe. Residents of Abuja and its environs can attest to this,” Onasanya said.
He attributed the Brigade’s successes to sustained operations and 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.
On key achievements, Onasanya highlighted several clearance operations against bandits and criminal elements in parts of the FCT and neighboring areas.
“At the beginning of the year, we had bandits lurking around areas such as Bwari, Abaji, and Gwagwalada within the FCT, as well as Toto and parts of Niger State. We carried out a series of clearance operations in these areas, successfully making arrests, recovering weapons, and neutralizing several criminal elements,” he stated.
He added that attempts to destabilize the FCT were promptly contained, with perpetrators apprehended and held accountable.
Looking forward to 2026, Onasanya assured that the Brigade will continue to prioritize national security, warning criminals against exploiting the area as a safe haven.
“The Guards Brigade is a highly motivated formation of the Nigerian Army, and we expect nothing short of excellence from our troops. As we move into 2026, bandits and criminals should be assured that they will not find it easy. Any individual or group thinking of using our area of responsibility as a safe haven will be decisively dealt with,” he said.
The commander also commended officers and soldiers for their dedication, discipline, and professionalism, which he said enabled the Brigade to achieve its objectives without major setbacks.
Addressing the troops at the Aso Rock summit, Onasanya praised their resilience during a challenging year and urged them to maintain high standards of vigilance and professionalism as operational demands increase in 2026.
The exercise concluded with a safe and orderly descent from Aso Rock, emphasizing safety and zero casualties.