The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army has issued a stern warning to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, declaring that they will face stiff resistance in 2026 and that no part of its area of responsibility will be allowed to serve as a safe haven for criminal activities.
The warning was issued on Saturday by the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, during the brigade’s annual ascent of Aso Rock in Abuja. The exercise traditionally marks the conclusion of the formation’s training activities for the year and serves as an opportunity to review operational performance and readiness.
Brigadier-General Onasanya described 2025 as a particularly demanding year for the Guards Brigade, noting that beyond its core responsibility of protecting the President and critical national assets, the formation recorded increased operational engagements across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring areas.
According to him, the brigade conducted several clearance operations in areas identified as hotspots for criminal activities, especially banditry and violent crimes.
“At the beginning of the year, we had a lot of bandits lurking around,” he said. “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.”
The commander added that individuals who attempted to foment trouble or undermine security within the FCT were promptly apprehended and handled in accordance with the law. He stressed that these successes were not accidental but the result of sustained planning, intelligence-led operations and inter-agency cooperation.
Onasanya commended the support of other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services, as well as operational backing from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force. He said the synergy among the services significantly enhanced the brigade’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to security threats.
He also praised officers and soldiers of the Guards Brigade for their dedication, professionalism and discipline throughout the year, noting that the formation recorded no issues relating to commitment or conduct among its personnel.
Looking ahead to 2026, the brigade commander urged troops to prepare for even greater responsibilities, particularly in line with the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in the security sector.
“As we go into 2026, we must be even more committed,” he said. “In line with the President’s directive, we must give our full support. As Guards Brigade, we are always ready and loyal to commit ourselves to the best of our ability.”
Reassuring residents of Abuja and its environs, Onasanya said the Guards Brigade would maintain a high level of operational readiness and vigilance.
“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,” he warned.
