Abuja: The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, has issued a stern warning to bandits and criminal elements operating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its surrounding areas, stating that they will face intensified military pressure in 2026. Onasanya assured that the region would not be conducive for criminal activities, as he addressed journalists at Aso Rock during the annual ascent of the formation, an event marking the end of their training year.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ascent is a yearly tradition aimed at testing physical fitness, endurance, and cohesion among troops, while also serving as a platform to review operational activities and prepare for the future. Onasanya highlighted that 2025 was particularly challenging for the Brigade due to increased operational engagements beyond their traditional role of protecting the President.
The Brigade Commander attributed the success of maintaining safety in their area of responsibi
lity to sustained operations and effective collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, with support from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force. He noted that the Brigade had conducted several clearance operations against bandits and criminal elements in parts of the FCT and neighboring areas.
Onasanya recounted how the Brigade carried out operations in areas like Bwari, Abaji, and Gwagwalada within the FCT, as well as Toto and parts of Niger State, leading to arrests, weapon recoveries, and the neutralization of criminal elements. He assured that criminal attempts to destabilize the FCT were promptly contained, with offenders apprehended.
Looking forward to 2026, Onasanya warned criminals against using the Brigade’s area as a safe haven, emphasizing that the highly motivated formation of the Nigerian Army expects excellence from its troops. He expressed pride in the dedication, discipli
ne, and professionalism of the officers and soldiers, urging them to maintain high standards as they prepare for the increased operational demands in the coming year.