Tinubu Applauds Guards Brigade, Hails Cultural Heritage and 2025 Security Gains, As Commander Reaffirms Commitment to FCT Safety

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, cultural pride, and notable security achievements, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The President, ably represented by the Minister of Defence, Retired General Christopher Musa gave the commendation at the Guards Brigade West African Social Activities (WASA) Cultural Event, the West African Social Activities,  for the year 2025, held at Mambila Barracks, Abuja, where he was ably represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Retd).

President Tinubu who is the Special Guest of Honour expressed delight at the colourful display of Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage by officers, soldiers, and their families, noting that culture remains a vital link between the past, present, and future. He said societies that neglect their culture risk losing their sense of direction, stressing that cultural values reflect history, struggles, and collective achievements.

He stated that beyond celebrating cultural diversity, the 2025 WASA provided an opportunity to honour the operational feats of the Guards Brigade, citing their cohesion, resilience, and dedication throughout the year. According to him, the Brigade played a critical role in reinforcing security around the Presidential Villa and significantly improving the security situation in the FCT and surrounding communities through sustained clearance operations.

The President lauded the Brigade Commander, officers, soldiers, and their families for their sacrifices and described the well-organised WASA as a deserving celebration after a year of intense training and operational commitments.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his confidence in the Guards Brigade’s capacity to continue rising to national security challenges and urged officers and soldiers across the Armed Forces to remain proactive and aligned with the Army’s chain of command. He also praised the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies for their relentless efforts against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities, noting visible improvements in national security.

While assuring Nigerians that the government would not relent until the country is fully safe and secure, the President thanked citizens for their continued support to the Armed Forces. He expressed gratitude to God for the success of the event and wished officers, soldiers, their families, and guests a pleasant evening and a prosperous new year.

In his welcome remarks, the Commander, Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.- Gen. Adebisi Onasanya reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to sustaining peace and security within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs, assuring residents that troops will not relent in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

He warmly welcomed representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, senior military officers, community leaders, security agencies, captains of industry, and other distinguished guests, expressing gratitude for their presence at the annual cultural event.

The Brigade Commander described WASA as an age-long Nigerian Army tradition designed to promote regimentation, foster comradeship, and celebrate Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. He traced the origin of WASA to the era of the West African Frontier Force, explaining that the tradition has endured as a unifying platform that connects history, culture, and military professionalism.

According to him, the 2025 WASA provided an opportunity to showcase various cultural dances and cuisines, while also marking the end of a demanding operational and training year. He noted that Guards Brigade personnel were engaged in rigorous duties throughout the year, including securing the seat of power, dominating the FCT Area of Responsibility, conducting clearance operations, and participating in major national ceremonies, often at the expense of time with their families.

Brigadier General Onasanya commended officers, soldiers, and their families for their resilience, loyalty, discipline, and sacrifice, stressing that family support remains critical to operational success. He revealed that the event also served to recognize outstanding officers and soldiers, as well as reward units that excelled during the training year, with 7 Guards Battalion emerging as the Champion Battalion for 2025.

Reassuring FCT residents, the Guards Brigade Commander stated that the Brigade would continue proactive operations to ensure peace and stability, urging the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

He concluded by inviting guests to relax and enjoy the cultural displays, thanking all attendees for their continued support and cooperation, while expressing confidence that Guards Brigade will sustain its high standards of professionalism in the year ahead.

Dignitries at the event include the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Representative of Chief of Army Staff Chief of Naval Staff represented by Vice Admiral E. D. Abbas, other senior distinguished officers, spouses of the officers, the Brigade Commander, our Chief Host, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, other heads of security agencies, officers and men of the Guards Brigade, lovers of the military.