By Nkechi Eze
The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army has formally concluded its 2025 training year with the traditional ascent of Aso Rock in Abuja, as the Commander of the formation, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, described the year as “demanding but successful,” with tangible security gains recorded across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and adjoining areas.
Speaking during the exercise, Brigadier General Onasanya explained that the annual Aso Rock ascent is a symbolic and operational activity that marks the end of the Brigade’s yearly training cycle while also testing the physical fitness, endurance and readiness of officers and soldiers.
“The 2025 training year has been very demanding, but it has also been successful,” the Brigade Commander said. “Beyond our traditional responsibility of protecting the President and the Presidential Villa, we faced increased operational demands this year, which required sustained deployments and intensified security operations within our area of responsibility.”
He disclosed that the Guards Brigade conducted several clearance and security operations across Bwari, Abaji and Gwagwalada Area Councils of the FCT, as well as Toto and parts of neighbouring Niger State. According to him, the operations resulted in the arrest of criminal elements and the recovery of weapons, while similar proactive measures within the FCT helped to prevent criminal activities.
“We carried out clearance operations in Bwari, Abaji, Gwagwalada, Toto and parts of Niger State, which led to the arrest of criminals and recovery of arms,” Onasanya said. “Within the FCT, our operations helped to prevent criminal activities and maintain public safety. Residents of Abuja and its environs can attest to the improvement in the security situation.”
The Brigade Commander attributed the successes recorded during the year to strong collaboration with other security agencies, stressing that inter-agency cooperation played a critical role in achieving operational effectiveness.
“These achievements would not have been possible without effective collaboration with other security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services, as well as support from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force,” he noted.
He commended officers and soldiers of the Guards Brigade for their dedication, discipline and professionalism, adding that the year ended without any major operational setbacks. “I must commend our officers and soldiers for their commitment and professionalism. We recorded no major setbacks, and that speaks to their discipline and level of preparedness,” he said.
Looking ahead to the coming year, Brigadier General Onasanya assured that the Guards Brigade would intensify its efforts in line with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on addressing security challenges nationwide.
“As we move into 2026, we will intensify our operations in line with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on security,” he said. “The Guards Brigade remains motivated and fully committed to excellence. Criminal elements should be warned that our area of responsibility is not, and will never be, a safe haven.”
Addressing the troops at the summit of Aso Rock, the Commander urged them to remain steadfast and prepared for future tasks, while reaffirming the Brigade’s resolve to safeguard lives, property and critical national assets.
“You must remain steadfast and ready for the tasks ahead,” he told the troops. “We will leave no stone unturned in safeguarding lives, property and national assets.”
He also emphasized safety as the personnel commenced their descent from Aso Rock, directing that the exercise be concluded without casualties. “Safety remains paramount. Ensure that this exercise is completed without any casualties,” he charged.
