Nigeria Army’s Guards Brigade Vows Tough Stance on Bandits in 2026

The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army has vowed to intensify its fight against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements in 2026, warning that no part of its area of responsibility will be allowed to serve as a safe haven. Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, Commander of the Guards Brigade, issued the warning during the annual ascent of Aso Rock in Abuja, marking the conclusion of the brigade’s training activities for the year.

Onasanya stated that 2025 had been a challenging year for the formation, with the brigade conducting several clearance operations across the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring areas. The operations resulted in numerous arrests, recovery of weapons, and neutralization of bandits.

The brigade commander credited the successes to collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force. He commended officers and soldiers of the Guards Brigade for their dedication and professionalism.

Looking ahead to 2026, Onasanya assured residents of Abuja and its environs that the Guards Brigade would 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 warned.

The Guards Brigade is responsible for protecting the President and critical national assets within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. The warning underscores the brigade’s resolve to rid its area of responsibility of criminal activities in 2026, in line with President’s declaration of a state of emergency in the security sector.