The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army has warned terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements that they will face stiff resistance in 2026, declaring that no part of its area of responsibility will be allowed to serve as a safe haven.
The Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, issued the warning on Saturday during the annual ascent of Aso Rock in Abuja, an exercise marking the conclusion of the brigade’s training activities for the year.
Onasanya said 2025 had been particularly demanding for the formation, noting that in addition to its traditional role of protecting the President, the brigade recorded increased operational engagements across the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring areas.
According to him, the brigade conducted several clearance operations during the year, especially in areas prone to criminal activities.
“At the beginning of the year, we had a lot of bandits lurking around. We carried out a series of clearance operations from Bwari to Abaji, Gwagwalada and parts of Niger State. We made a lot of arrests, recovered weapons and neutralised several bandits,” he said.
He added that criminal elements who attempted to foment trouble within the FCT were also apprehended and dealt with in line with the law.
The brigade commander said the successes recorded were made possible through sustained collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, as well as support from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force.
Onasanya commended officers and soldiers of the Guards Brigade for their dedication and professionalism, stressing that the formation recorded no issues relating to commitment or discipline among its personnel throughout the year.
He urged the troops not to relent, noting that the coming year would require even greater commitment in line with the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in the security sector.
“We have another year ahead of us. As we go into 2026, we must be even more committed.
“In line with the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in the security sector, we must ensure we give our full support. As Guards Brigade, we are always ready and loyal to commit ourselves to the best of our ability,” he said.
Looking ahead, the commander assured residents of Abuja and its environs that the Guards Brigade would continue to maintain a high level of operational readiness.
“No stone will be left unturned. Any bandits or criminals who think they can use our area of responsibility as a safe haven will not find it easy,” Onasanya said.
The Guards Brigade is tasked with protecting the President and critical national assets within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
The warning issued to terrorists and other criminal elements underscores the brigade’s resolve to rid its area of responsibility of criminal activities in 2026.
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