Guards Brigade Nigerian Army, has pledged its commitment to securing the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the entire FCT and environs.
The Commander, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, said this at the end of Year 2024 Ascent of Aso Rock by personnel of Guards Brigade to mark the end of the year’s activities on Saturday in Abuja.
Onasanya reiterated the Brigade’s loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and warned individuals with nefarious intentions to steer clear of the FCT and its surroundings.
He assured that the Guards Brigade and units under his command were ready to deal decisively with those seeking to foment trouble in the FCT and environs.
Onasanya called on law-abiding citizens to celebrate the Yuletide season with love, emphasising the importance of peace and kindness.
The Commander said that the Guards Brigade had successfully carried out its Presidential security duties, ceremonial duties as well as operational responsibilities for Year 2024.
While noting that the 2024 was marked with some challenges, he gave assurances that the officers and soldiers were well committed and ready to ensure successful discharge of their duty in the Year 2025.
“It has been challenging however, we are able to surmount the challenges in the 2024, and so looking back we have all the cause to thank God and appreciate troops commitment.
“I want to commend the officers and soldiers of Guard Brigade for their loyalty, for their perseverance and dedication to duty, it was not easy but they did their best to succeed in the Year 2024.”
He described the climbing of the Aso Rock as an annual exercise for the Brigade, noting that the exercise was aimed at ensuring that officers and men are fit and ready to protect the Presidency, the FCT and environs.
“The ascent is an annual activity in Guards Brigade’s forecast of events. Events in the Brigade climax with the ascent of the Aso Rock, to mark the end of each year’s activities.”
He expressed delight that everyone successfully climbed the Aso Rock, considered one of the most prestigious exercise for the Guards Brigade.
He commended other dignitaries and individuals that participated in the ascent.
Some members of diplomatic corps including the Norwegian Ambassador, UK Deputy High Commissioner as well as Defence Attachés from France, UK, USA, Poland, Angola, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Pakistan, Norway, Egypt and Iran, led by Dean of Defense Attachés from Morocco.
The Aso Rock is a large outcrop of granitic rock located in Abuja, which is a 1,300 feet prominent monolith with a peak height of 3,071 feet above sea level.
The high point of the exercise was the presentation of souvenirs to outstanding individuals who exhibited high morale, leadership ability, strength, and agility during the ascent.