The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army has issued a stern warning to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, declaring that no part of its operational area will be allowed to serve as a safe haven in 2026.
The brigade said it would maintain a high level of operational readiness and deal decisively with any threats to security within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
The warning was issued on Saturday by the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, during the annual ascent of Aso Rock in Abuja, an exercise that marked the conclusion of the formation’s training activities for the year.
Onasanya described 2025 as a particularly demanding year for the brigade, noting that beyond its traditional responsibility of protecting the President, the formation recorded increased operational engagements across the FCT and neighbouring areas.
According to him, the brigade carried out several clearance operations in locations identified as crime-prone, leading to arrests, recovery of weapons and the neutralisation of bandits.
“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,” the commander said.
“We made a lot of arrests, recovered weapons and neutralised several bandits.”
The brigade commander said criminal elements who attempted to foment trouble within the FCT were apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law.
He stressed that the formation remained resolute in preventing criminal activities from taking root within its area of responsibility.
Onasanya attributed the successes recorded during the year to 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.
He noted that inter-agency cooperation had continued to strengthen security operations within Abuja and its surrounding areas.
Commending officers and soldiers of the Guards Brigade, Onasanya said the formation recorded no issues relating to discipline or commitment among its personnel throughout the year.
He praised the troops for their dedication and professionalism, describing their performance as commendable.
The commander urged the troops not to relent, stressing that the coming year would require even greater commitment, especially 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,” he said.
“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.”
Looking ahead, Onasanya 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,” he said.
The Guards Brigade is responsible for the protection of the President and critical national assets within the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas.
The latest warning underscores the brigade’s resolve to rid its area of responsibility of criminal activities and ensure a safer Abuja in 2026.