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 2024 Ascent of Aso Rock by the 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 stay 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.
Onasanya called on law-abiding citizens to celebrate the season with love, emphasising the themes of peace and care.
The commander said that the Guards Brigade had successfully carried out its presidential security duty for the year, ceremonial duty for the year as well as operational responsibilities in the course of 2024.
While noting that the 2024 was marked with surmountable challenges, he gave assurance that the officers and soldiers were well committed and ready to ensure successful discharge of their duty in 2025.
“It has been challenging however, we are able to summon the challenges in the year 2024, and so looking back we have all the cause to say thank God.
“I want to commend the officers and soldiers of Guard brigade for their loyalties, for their perseverance and dedication to duty, it is not easy but they put in their best within the year to succeed in 2024.”
He described the climbing of the rock as an annual exercise for the Guards Brigade, noting that the exercise was aimed at making the officers and men ready to protect the presidency, the FCT and environs.
“The ascend is an annual event, every year the activities in Guards Brigade climax with the ascend of the Aso Rock, to mark the end of each year’s activities.”
He expressed delight that everyone successfully climbed the Rock, considered the most prestigious exercise for the Guards Brigade saddled with the task of protecting the nation’s president.
He commended others that joined in the climbing including members of diplomatic corps, particularly the UK Deputy High Commissioner, military attaché from Embassy of Finland in Nigeria, and representative from Chinese Embassy.
The Rock is a large outcrop of granitic rock located in Abuja, which is a 1300 feet prominent monolith with a peak height of 3071 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. (NAN)