The Commander, Brigade of Guards Major General Mohammed Usman, has expressed appreciation to the gallant officers and men of the Brigade for their sacrifices in defence of the seat of power in times of heightened security threats within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and environs.
General Usman also extended his appreciation to all other security agencies for their cooperation in rapidly responding to the calls of the Brigade in defending the Federal Capital Territory.
The Commander expressed this appreciation during the Brigade of Guard’s end-of-year dinner night held at the Scorpion Mess, WU Bassey Barracks, in Abuja Nigeria’s Capital.
General Usman paid tribute to the officers and men of the Brigade who paid the supreme price in the defence of the FCT and assured the widows and children of the fallen officers of the support of the Brigade and the Nigerian Armed Forces as a whole.
He further appreciated the heads of security agencies for their support throughout the year and equally expressed profound gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for his immense support, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari while Pledging to hold the light of regimentation which has been passed to the Brigade.
He urged the officers and men of the Brigade to continue to be vigilant to protect the seat of power in cooperation with other security agencies.
“This year witnessed an increase in the activities of unscrupulous elements and hoodlums that sought to cause chaos to our country, the year also witnessed unprecedented increased attacks on Guards Brigade locations, sadly some of our personnel paid the supreme price. I use this opportunity to appreciate their sacrifices and pray to Almighty God to give them eternal rest”
“In line with the motto of Guards Brigade which is ‘Vigilance and Sacrifice’, I want to urge all officers and men of Guards Brigade to continue to be vigilant to their responsibility of protecting the President and the seat of government and be ever ready to make all sacrifices needed to carry out our task. I also pledge to continue to cooperate with all sister agencies in the attainment of our overall mission, which s to secure the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and parts of Niger state. I wish to enjoin all of us to be prepared for the coming year 2023 especially as the country prepares for the general elections” Stated the Guards Commander.
The Guest of Honour at the accession, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Malam Mohammed Musa Bello who was represented by the Permanent Secretary FCT, Mr. Odesola Olusola congratulated the Commander on his recent promotion which he said is a testament to hard work and dedication.
“In the physical year 2022, the FCT provided modest support to the security agencies in the territory, for instance in October we provided 60 patrol vans to the security agencies. It is indeed a delight yesterday at the security briefing when the security agencies commended the efforts of government in that regard and the good outcome that came from the provisions that f those facilities” Stated the FCT Minister.
He said while there was a contingency plan to provide security of lives and property in the FCT, from time to time there were glitches that were countered by the combined resilience, reactive mess and tenacity of the guard against the criminal elements in the FCT.
He, therefore, condole with the Brigade for the loss of lives during some of the operations in the FCT and appreciated the widows for their sacrifice promising them that their husbands remain heroes and they will not be abandoned by the government.
“As we enter into the festive season, I wish to remind you that we have a major task ahead, which is the 2023 general election. Although I do not doubt in my mind that you will cooperate to achieve a peaceful environment, I will still enjoin you to remain vigilant as the residents of the FCT are counting on you to ensure a free and fair electioneering process. In my capacity as the FCT minister, I pledge to continue to provide the necessary support to all security agencies in the territory to enable them to carry out their duties” the FCT Minister stated.
Source: Voice of Nigeria