Colonel Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, Commander of the Guards Brigade, issued a stark warning to criminals terrorizing communities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs: repent or face death.
Commander Onasanya delivered the stern message during the 2023 Ascent of Aso Rock, marking the conclusion of the Brigade’s training calendar for the year. He declared the officers and soldiers’ unwavering loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, pledging they would not disappoint the nation.
He stated, “Just as we have conquered Aso Rock this year, so shall we continue to conquer all enemies of this country. In all our operations, we will relentlessly pursue and eliminate our enemies wherever they hide. It is in their best interest to repent immediately. If they fail, we will assist them in repentance.”
He stressed the significance of the rock climb, starting from Mambilla Barracks to the summit, as a testament to his troops’ readiness for the upcoming year. “As the Guards Brigade, we will never give up,” he affirmed.
He said, “We will continue to protect the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and faithfully discharge our roles and responsibilities to Nigeria and the Nigerian Army.”
He reiterated their unwavering loyalty to the President: “We will never let the country down. Our loyalty to the President is absolute and unwavering. As members of the Presidential Guards, we remain unwavering in our commitment.”
Commander Onasanya highlighted the annual ritual’s importance in boosting troop morale. “Every year, we undertake this climb and our morale soars when we reach the summit of Aso Rock. It is a renewal of strength for us in the Guards Brigade, and we eagerly anticipate it from the beginning of the year.”
“Throughout the year, as we carry out our duties, we constantly remember that the Ascent of Aso Rock marks the culmination of our activities. And here we are, standing triumphantly at the peak of Aso Rock in 2023. We are overjoyed to have once again conquered the rock.”
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s unwavering loyalty to the President in the coming year of 2024. “As officers and soldiers of the Guards Brigade, our loyalty is absolute and unwavering. We will execute our operational, ceremonial, and all other responsibilities with unwavering dedication.”
He noted the role of training in the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, stating, “Training has been a cornerstone of the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy. Thus, the Ascent of Aso Rock serves as a significant marker for us, signifying the completion of our training cycle for the year. Not undertaking this climb would feel incomplete, as if we had not truly fulfilled our training activities for the year. Reaching the summit of Aso Rock signifies the successful completion of our tasks for the year.”
