Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army has issued a strong warning to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, declaring that there will be no safe haven for them in 2026.
The formation said it is fully prepared to confront security threats within its area of responsibility and will not tolerate criminal activities in the Federal Capital Territory or surrounding states.
This warning signals a tougher security posture as the Army moves into the new year amid concerns over banditry and violent crimes around Abuja and neighbouring areas.
The Guards Brigade said it is entering 2026 with renewed resolve, improved readiness and clear directives to sustain pressure on criminal networks.
Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, issued the warning on Saturday in Abuja during the annual ascent of Aso Rock.
The exercise marked the conclusion of the brigade’s training activities for the year and provided an opportunity to assess its operational achievements.
Onasanya said 2025 was a demanding year for the formation, explaining that aside from its constitutional role of protecting the President and critical national assets, the brigade recorded increased field operations across the FCT and adjoining locations.
According to him, troops carried out multiple clearance operations in areas identified as criminal hideouts, leading to several arrests, recovery of weapons and disruption of bandit camps.
“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 destabilise parts of the FCT were promptly apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law, noting that the brigade maintained a proactive approach to security enforcement.
Operational successes recorded during the year, he said, were achieved through sustained collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services, with support from the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force.
The commander commended officers and soldiers of the Guards Brigade for their professionalism and discipline, stating that no major issues of misconduct were recorded despite the increased operational tempo.
Looking ahead, Onasanya said security demands in 2026 would be higher, especially following the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in the security sector. He urged personnel to remain focused and committed to national security objectives.
“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.
Residents of Abuja and surrounding communities were assured of sustained security presence, with the brigade maintaining high operational readiness through patrols and intelligence-led operations.
“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.
Guards Brigade is responsible for the protection of the President and key national assets within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
The latest warning reinforces the Army’s determination to deny criminal elements any foothold as 2026 approaches.