President Bola Tinubu has commended the Commander of Guards Brigade, officers and soldiers, for sustaining clearance operations and restoring peace in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and adjoining communities.
President Tinubu gave the commendation at the West African Social Activities (also known as WASA) organised by the Guards Brigade in Abuja on Saturday.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), said the event which celebrates the feat achieved by officers and soldiers in 2025 through force cohesion, resilience and dedication, also allows them to unwind.
He said, “there is no doubt that in Year 2025, Guards Brigade reinforced security around the Presidential Villa and improved security situation in the FCT and its environs.
“The effort of the Brigade in sustaining clearance operations and restoring peace in the adjoining communities has significantly contributed to the peace we all enjoy in the FCT. Therefore, having worked and trained so hard throughout the year, I make bold to say that the celebration of officers, soldiers and their families through this excellent and well organized WASA is a laudable effort.”
He continued, “I am confident that Guards Brigade will always rise to the challenges of all its tasks and keep the flag of the Nigerian Army flying at all times. I believe that your dedication to duty will encourage and motivate other soldiers elsewhere to emulate your attitude to duty.”
He added: “I also thank you all, not just for your service to this great country but for reminding us why Nigeria will always be a great nation.”
President Tinubu further commended other security agencies for their relentless efforts in ensuring that the nation was protected against insurgents, terrorists, bandits and other criminals.
“I therefore urge all officers and soldiers to remain proactive in the discharge of their responsibilities in tandem with the direction of the Army chain of command. I urge you not to rest on your oars as you discharge your responsibilities to our dear nation,” he states.
He added that the entire nation count on their professionalism and sacrifice to keep improving the country’s security situation and “I believe you will succeed.”
The Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig.- Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, said the West African Social Activities (WASA) is an age-long tradition of the Nigerian Army, designed to enhance regimentation, foster comradeship and strengthen the bond among officers, soldiers and their families.
He said it is an annual event that provides a relaxed and convivial atmosphere to celebrate the end of the year and usher in the activities of the new year, while showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Nigerian Army personnel and our host communities.
He explained that the origin of WASA historically dates back to the era of the West African Frontier Force, when soldiers drawn from different ancestral and traditional backgrounds joined the army.
“In those days, village heads sent delegations to military authorities to request the release of soldiers to participate in annual sacrifices marking the end of harvest and the beginning of a new planting season, with prayers for peace and prosperity in the new year. Over time, rather than releasing soldiers annually, the military authorities incorporated this tradition into army activities, giving birth to what we now celebrate as WASA,”.
He noted that personnel of the Guards Brigade over the past 12 months have undergone rigorous operational and training engagements.
“These include the critical responsibility of securing the Presidency, the Federal Capital Territory and its environs, dominating our area of responsibility day and night, conducting major operations, and participating in national ceremonial duties such as Armed Forces Remembrance Day and other state functions. These demanding tasks were carried out alongside routine internal security operations, often keeping our officers and soldiers away from their families for extended periods,”.
This, he said, despite the absence of their loved ones, our families have remained resilient, patient and steadfast, continuously supporting the Brigade through prayers, understanding and perseverance.
He reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty of the Guards Brigade to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and our steadfast commitment to the Nigerian Army in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.
