As part of its end-of-year physical fitness and civil-military engagement activities, troops of the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, successfully carried out an ascent of Aso Rock in Abuja.
The exercise attracted wide participation from serving and retired senior military officers, members of the diplomatic corps from Japan, the United States, Britain, Norway and Australia, as well as personnel of the Armed Forces and paramilitary agencies.
Civilians, barracks children, students of the Nigerian Military School on festive holiday and other Abuja residents also took part, reflecting unity, resilience and a shared sense of national purpose.
Leading from the front, the Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, was among the first participants to complete the ascent, setting the pace for both troops and civilians.
Addressing participants at the summit, Brigadier General Onasanya reassured members of the public of the Guards Brigade’s unwavering commitment to the continuous protection of Abuja and its environs. He emphasised that safeguarding the seat of power remains the Brigade’s primary and non-negotiable responsibility.
The Commander highlighted the security challenges encountered over the year and outlined several successful operations carried out by the Brigade, which resulted in the arrest of criminals and a reduction in criminal activities within the Federal Capital Territory.
He further assured residents of enhanced security measures and sustained operational readiness in the coming year, stressing that the Brigade would continue to adapt, remain vigilant and uphold its mandate of protecting lives, property and national institutions.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to deserving participants in recognition of their endurance, commitment and outstanding performance during the ascent.
The Aso Rock ascent underscored the importance of physical fitness and operational readiness while strengthening civil-military relations and reinforcing the bond between the Nigerian Army and the people it serves.
