By Bavoriat Clara
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army for its outstanding performance in strengthening security around the Presidential Villa and improving the overall security situation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs in 2025.
The President gave the commendation at the Guards Brigade West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 held at Mambilla Barracks, Abuja. He was represented at the event by the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour.
In his address, President Tinubu described the WASA as a significant cultural and military tradition that reflects Nigeria’s rich and diverse heritage. He noted that in a rapidly changing world, cultural values remain essential in preserving national identity, stressing that a people who lose their culture risk losing their sense of direction. According to him, cultural activities such as WASA serve as a bridge between the past and the present while preparing the nation for the future.
Beyond its cultural significance, the President said the 2025 edition of WASA provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Guards Brigade officers and soldiers over the past year. He noted that through cohesion, resilience and dedication, the Brigade successfully reinforced security around the Presidential Villa, sustained clearance operations and restored peace in communities adjoining the FCT. These efforts, he said, have contributed greatly to the peace and stability currently enjoyed in Abuja and surrounding areas.
President Tinubu commended the leadership of the Guards Brigade for organising the event to honour officers, soldiers and their families after a year of intense operational and training engagements. He expressed confidence in the Brigade’s capacity to continue rising to the challenges of its mandate and maintaining the high standards of the Nigerian Army, adding that their dedication to duty serves as a motivation to other formations across the country.
The President further lauded the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies for their unwavering commitment to combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality. He noted that the collective efforts of the security agencies have led to noticeable improvements in the nation’s security landscape.
While urging officers and soldiers not to relent, he called on them to remain proactive and professional in line with the Army chain of command, assuring them that the nation continues to rely on their sacrifice and patriotism.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, warmly welcomed President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, as well as senior military officers, representatives of sister services, security agencies, community leaders and other distinguished guests to Mambilla Barracks.
Brigadier-General Onasanya described the West African Social Activities as an age-long tradition of the Nigerian Army, rooted in the history of the former West African Frontier Force. He explained that the tradition originated from the practice of allowing soldiers drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds to participate in annual cultural and harvest celebrations in their communities. Over time, the practice was institutionalised within the Army, giving rise to the annual WASA celebration.
According to him, the event is designed to enhance regimentation, foster comradeship and strengthen the bond among officers, soldiers and their families, while also showcasing the cultural diversity of Nigerian Army personnel and host communities. He noted that WASA also provides a relaxed environment to mark the end of the operational year and usher in activities for the new year.
The Brigade Commander highlighted the rigorous operational and training activities undertaken by the Guards Brigade over the past twelve months. These included the critical task of securing the Presidency, maintaining round-the-clock dominance of the Brigade’s area of responsibility within the FCT, conducting major operations, and participating in national ceremonial duties such as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and other state functions. He noted that these responsibilities often required officers and soldiers to remain away from their families for long periods.
He commended the families of Guards Brigade personnel for their resilience, patience and unwavering support, noting that their sacrifices contributed significantly to the successes recorded by the Brigade. He said the 2025 WASA was specially organised to appreciate families and provide officers and soldiers with an opportunity to unwind after a demanding year.
Brigadier-General Onasanya also acknowledged the support of the Presidency, the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters and Nigerian Army Headquarters, describing their backing as crucial to the Brigade’s operational successes.
He disclosed that the 2025 WASA featured colourful cultural displays by selected ethnic groups from the six geopolitical zones of the country, raffle draws for personnel, families and guests, and the presentation of awards, including Best Soldier of the Guards Brigade, Best Soldier Overall and Best Unit within the Brigade.
The event also served as a platform for the Guards Brigade to reaffirm its unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and its continued commitment to the Nigerian Army in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.
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