Presidential Guards Brigade Reaffirms Commitment to Excellence at Fourth Quarter Obstacle Crossing Competition

The Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, has reaffirmed the Brigade’s dedication to continuous training, discipline, and teamwork as key pillars of operational effectiveness in the Nigerian Army. 

He made this known during the opening ceremony of the Guards Brigade Fourth Quarter Inter-Battalion Obstacle Crossing Competition held on Thursday, 30 October 2025, at the 7 Guards Battalion, Lungi Barracks, Abuja.

In his welcome address, Brigadier General Onasanya described the competition as a vital component of the Nigerian Army’s training and development programme, aimed at assessing the physical and mental resilience of officers and soldiers. He stated that the event provides a platform for participants to showcase their strength, teamwork, and discipline — all of which are crucial qualities for success in military operations.

“The Obstacle Crossing Competition aims to elevate our troops by fostering excellence, discipline, and collaboration,” he said. “Training remains a critical building block for achieving the Nigerian Army’s mission to win all land battles in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national interest.”

The Commander explained that the competition was structured with strict rules and real-life simulation scenarios, including the use of pyrotechnics, to test combat readiness under pressure. He stressed that beyond determining winners, the exercise was designed to build confidence, endurance, and teamwork among personnel.

Quoting Archibald Henderson of the United States Marine Corps, Brigadier General Onasanya reminded troops that “we don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.” He emphasized the need for continuous and realistic training to effectively counter emerging and unconventional security threats facing the nation.

“It is paramount that we continue to train and re-train to maintain mastery in the art of war,” he added. “Through constant practice, we will sustain professionalism, enhance physical fitness, and sharpen combat survival techniques necessary to defeat our adversaries.”

The Commander expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness and performance of the participating battalions, noting that the competition had strengthened team spirit and confidence across the Brigade. He commended all officers and soldiers for their commitment to upholding the Guards Brigade’s proud tradition of excellence.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour at the Guards Brigade Fourth Quarter 2025 Obstacle Crossing Competition, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdussalam Bagudu Ibrahim, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to training and operational excellence, emphasising that effective training remains the bedrock of military readiness in the face of evolving security challenges.

Major General Ibrahim, ably represented by the Deputy Chief of Operations (Army) Major General Olurotimi Awolo commended the Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General AO Onasanya, for his leadership and dedication to ensuring the Brigade maintains a high standard of training and discipline among its personnel. 

He noted that the Brigade has consistently demonstrated professionalism and commitment to the Army’s Training Directives, despite operational demands and other unforeseen circumstances.

“The major preoccupation of an army in peace time is training. Considering the myriads of security challenges facing our nation, we have no option but to continuously improve ourselves,” he stated. He further stressed that the young officers and soldiers form the operational backbone of the Nigerian Army, responsible for executing missions and achieving tactical objectives.

The Chief of Policy and Plans also highlighted the expanded roles of the Guards Brigade beyond its traditional ceremonial and security duties for the President, First Family, and the Seat of Power, to include the protection of the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. He noted that the Obstacle Crossing Competition provided an opportunity for troops to build resilience, teamwork, and combat readiness essential for operational effectiveness.

While applauding the participating teams for their spirit of sportsmanship, General Ibrahim urged them to continue demonstrating discipline, tenacity, and teamwork, qualities he described as fundamental to military success.

In his words, “It is not just about winning; it is about growing and becoming better officers and soldiers through training. May the team that demonstrates the most meritorious blend of skill, tenacity, and teamwork emerge victorious.”

At the end of the competition, 176 Guards Battalion emerged overall winner, while 7 Guards Battalion took second place. 177 Guards Battalion finished third, with 102 Guards Battalion and the Guards Brigade Garrison placing fourth and fifth respectively.

Lieutenant Colonel Oladimeji Ajongbo, the Commander of the winning battalion,  attributed the victory to rigorous preparation, motivation, and teamwork, describing it as “a well-deserved reward for dedication and hard work.”

The event featured rigorous obstacle-crossing, intense physical challenges, teamwork-based drills, and simulated combat tasks designed to test endurance and adaptability. Senior officers, soldiers, and invited guests graced the ceremony, which set the tone for a highly competitive and spirited exercise among participating units.