The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army has issued a strong warning to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, declaring that there will be no hiding place for criminals within its area of responsibility in 2026.

The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, gave the warning on Saturday during the annual Aso Rock ascent in Abuja, an event that marked the conclusion of the brigade’s training activities for the year.

Onasanya described 2025 as a particularly challenging year for the formation, noting that beyond its core responsibility of protecting the President, the Guards Brigade recorded increased operational deployments across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states.

He explained that the brigade carried out several clearance operations in crime-prone areas, leading to significant successes against criminal groups. According to him, sustained operations were conducted in Bwari, Abaji, Gwagwalada and parts of Niger State, where several bandits were arrested, weapons recovered and criminal elements neutralised.

“At the beginning of the year, we had many bandits operating in these areas. Through a series of clearance operations, we made arrests, recovered arms and ensured that criminal networks were dismantled,” the brigade commander said.

He added that individuals who attempted to cause unrest within the FCT were also apprehended and handled in accordance with the law.

Onasanya attributed the successes recorded by the brigade to effective 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.

Commending officers and soldiers of the Guards Brigade, he praised their professionalism, dedication and discipline, stressing that the formation recorded no issues of indiscipline or lack of commitment among its personnel throughout the year.

The commander urged the troops to remain steadfast as the country moves into 2026, noting that the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in the security sector demands even greater commitment from security forces.

“As we move into 2026, we must be more committed and ready to give our full support. The Guards Brigade remains loyal and prepared to discharge its duties to the best of its ability,” he said.

Assuring residents of Abuja and its environs, Onasanya said the Guards Brigade would maintain a high level of operational readiness in the coming year.

“No stone will be left unturned. Any criminal who believes our area of responsibility can serve as a safe haven will be disappointed,” he warned.

The Guards Brigade is responsible for the protection of the President and critical national assets within the FCT and surrounding areas. The renewed warning underscores the brigade’s determination to rid its jurisdiction of criminal activities in 2026.