By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Commander, Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, has warned that bandits and criminal elements operating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs will face sustained and intensified military pressure in 2026.
Onasanya declared that they will not find the area conducive for criminal activities.
He gave the assurance on Saturday in Abuja while speaking with journalists at the summit of Aso Rock, during the Guards Brigade’s annual ascent of Aso Rock, an exercise marking the conclusion of the formation’s training year.
Onasanya said the ascent, which is a yearly tradition of the Guards Brigade, was designed to test physical fitness, endurance and cohesion among troops, while also serving as a platform to review operational activities and prepare for the coming year.
According to him, the year 2025 was particularly demanding for the Brigade due to increased operational engagements beyond its 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,” he said.
The Guards Brigade Commander attributed the successes recorded to sustained operations and effective collaboration with other security agencies operating in the FCT and neighbouring states.
He said the Brigade worked closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, as well as received support from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force.
On key achievements recorded in the year under review, Onasanya disclosed that the Brigade conducted several clearance operations against bandits and criminal elements operating in parts of the FCT and adjoining 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 and successfully made a number of arrests. We recovered weapons and neutralised several criminal elements,” he said.
He added that criminal attempts to destabilise the FCT were promptly contained.
“Those who attempted to forment trouble within the FCT were also apprehended and kept where they belong,” the commander said.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Guards Brigade Commander assured that the formation would continue to put in its best in support of national security, warning criminals against using the Brigade’s area of responsibility 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.
Onasanya commended officers and soldiers of the Brigade for their dedication, discipline and professionalism throughout the year, noting that their commitment made it possible for the formation to achieve its set objectives without major setbacks.
Addressing the troops at the summit of Aso Rock, the commander praised them for their resilience during what he described as a tough and engaging year.
“It was a very challenging year, but you all gave your best. I am very proud of your commitment and professionalism.
“As we prepare for the coming year, we must remain focused and even more committed. No stone will be left unturned in ensuring the safety of our area of responsibility,” he said.
He urged the troops to maintain high standards of professionalism and vigilance as the Brigade prepares for increased operational demands in 2026.
The exercise ended with a safe and orderly descent from the summit of Aso Rock, with emphasis on safety and zero casualties. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
The Commander, Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, has warned that bandits and criminal elements operating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs will face sustained and intensified military pressure in 2026Continue Reading
By Deji Abdulwahab Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society says no fewer than 60 Muslim and Christian leaders have been trained on the concept of understanding and giving philanthropy. The Society said the training was organised for both faith leaders because poverty and hunger do not know religion. Malam Fuad Adeyemi, Executive Director/NationalContinue Reading
Business leaders have called on entrepreneurs and CEOs to build strong, globally competitive businesses to help drive Nigeria’s goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
Continue Reading
British heavyweight Anthony Joshua stopped boxing novice Jake Paul in the sixth round of a heavily one-sided bout in Miami.
Continue Reading
By Muhyideen Jimoh President Bola Tinubu will on Saturday visit Borno to inaugurate key development projects and attend a high-profile marriage ceremony in Maiduguri. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit is part of the President’s engagement across selected states during the yuletide. While in Maiduguri, TinubuContinue Reading
By Kadiri Abdulrahman A renowned Economist, Prof. Ken Ife, has advised the Federal Government to repeal the 2025 Appropriation Act and consolidate the new 2026 budget. Ife, the Lead Consultant on Private Sector Development to the ECOWAS Commission, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of NigeriaContinue Reading
Beneficiaries By Sarafina Christopher Abuja, Dec. 20, 2025 (NAN) Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, says no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians cutting across different sectors of the nation’s economy have benefited from various Chinese government sponsored exchange training programmes. Yu disclosed this at the first Annual China–Nigeria Government Exchange ProgrammeContinue Reading
By Suleiman Shehu The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to soldiers’ welfare by inaugurating the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Estate. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the estate’s inauguration and that of a shopping complexContinue Reading
By Joshua Oladipo The Federal University of Health Sciences (FUHSI), Ila-Orangun, in Osun, on Friday, trained 595 secondary school students on digital literacy skills and psychological interventions to curb cybercrime and online bullying. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students were selected from five private and fiveContinue Reading
By Ibironke Ariyo The Devatop Centre for Africa Development has empowered 21 survivors of abuse, exploitation and other forms of violence through its Survivors Empowerment Programme, aimed at promoting healing and economic independence. Speaking at the event on Friday in Abuja, the Executive Director of the Centre, Mr Joseph Osuigwe,Continue Reading
