By Nkechi Eze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army recorded remarkable security gains in 2025, praising the formation for its critical role in safeguarding the Presidential Villa and strengthening peace and stability across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and adjoining communities.
The President stated this at the Guards Brigade West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 held at Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, where he was represented by the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who attended as Special Guest of Honour.
He said the impressive operational performance of the Guards Brigade over the past year reflected professionalism, discipline and unwavering dedication to duty, noting that the Brigade’s efforts have continued to reassure residents of Abuja and reinforce public confidence in the Armed Forces.
Describing WASA as one of the most enduring traditions of the Nigerian Army, President Tinubu noted that the celebration symbolises the strong link between military heritage and Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity. He observed that in spite of rapid global changes, culture remains a powerful anchor for national identity and cohesion.
According to him, societies that neglect their cultural foundations risk losing their sense of direction, values and collective purpose, stressing that platforms such as WASA serve as a bridge between generations while preparing the nation for future challenges.
Beyond its cultural essence, the President said the 2025 edition of WASA provided a fitting opportunity to honour the achievements of officers and soldiers of the Guards Brigade, particularly their success in reinforcing security around the Presidential Villa, sustaining clearance operations and restoring peace in communities within and around the FCT.
He noted that these accomplishments have contributed significantly to the improved security environment currently enjoyed in Abuja and its environs.
President Tinubu commended the leadership of the Guards Brigade for organising the event to appreciate officers, soldiers and their families after a year of intense operational and training engagements, describing the gesture as a demonstration of responsible leadership and strong concern for troop welfare.
Expressing confidence in the formation’s future, the President said he was convinced that the Guards Brigade would continue to rise to the demands of its mandate and uphold the highest standards of the Nigerian Army.
He added that the dedication and sacrifices of Guards Brigade personnel serve as a source of inspiration to other formations across the country.
The President also lauded the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies for their sustained campaign against insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities nationwide, noting that their collective efforts have produced visible improvements in the nation’s security landscape.
He urged officers and soldiers to remain proactive, disciplined and professional in the discharge of their duties in line with the Army chain of command, assuring them that the nation continues to rely on their loyalty, patriotism and sacrifice.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, warmly welcomed President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, as well as senior military officers, representatives of sister services and security agencies, community leaders and other distinguished guests.
Brigadier-General Onasanya traced the origin of the West African Social Activities to the era of the former West African Frontier Force, explaining that it began as a practice that allowed soldiers from diverse ethnic backgrounds to participate in annual cultural and harvest celebrations in their communities.
He noted that the tradition later became institutionalised within the Nigerian Army, evolving into the annual WASA celebration.
According to him, WASA is designed to enhance regimentation, deepen comradeship and strengthen the bond among officers, soldiers and their families, while also showcasing the cultural diversity of Nigerian Army personnel and host communities.
He added that the celebration also provides a relaxed atmosphere to mark the end of the operational year and usher in activities for the new year.
The Brigade Commander highlighted that over the past twelve months, the Guards Brigade undertook extensive operational and training engagements, including securing the Presidency, maintaining round-the-clock dominance within its area of responsibility in the FCT, conducting major operations and participating in national ceremonial duties such as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and other state functions.
He noted that these responsibilities often kept officers and soldiers away from their families for extended periods.
Brigadier-General Onasanya therefore commended the families of Guards Brigade personnel for their patience, resilience and unwavering support, describing their sacrifices as critical to the successes recorded by the Brigade.
He disclosed that the 2025 WASA was deliberately organised to appreciate families and provide personnel with an opportunity to unwind after a demanding year.
He also acknowledged the support of the Presidency, the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters and Nigerian Army Headquarters, describing their backing as indispensable to the Brigade’s operational effectiveness.
He revealed that the celebration featured colourful cultural performances from the six geopolitical zones, raffle draws for personnel, families and guests, and the presentation of awards, including Best Soldier of the Guards Brigade, Best Soldier Overall and Best Unit within the Brigade.
The event further provided an avenue for the Guards Brigade to reaffirm its unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and its continued commitment to the Nigerian Army in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.
The ceremony attracted top military and security officials, representatives of sister security agencies, community leaders, captains of industry and other invited guests, culminating in a vibrant celebration of culture, service, unity and military professionalism.
