The Commander of Army Headquarters (AHQ) Garrison, Major General John Lar, has called for stronger cooperation, coordination, and intelligence sharing among security stakeholders in order to strengthen security across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the wider nation. He made the call on Thursday, July 23, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Commander of Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, as part of his familiarization tour of units under his command.
While addressing officers during the visit, Maj Gen Lar explained that his trip was designed to reinforce the existing cordial relationship between the two formations. “I deliberately reserved Guards Brigade for a separate engagement because of its strategic role in ensuring the security of the nation’s capital,” he said, describing the brigade as a major stakeholder in the FCT’s overall security architecture.
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Furthermore, he stressed the strategic importance of Abuja to the country’s stability and image. “Any security breach within or around the FCT attracts national attention and has implications for the country’s image,” Maj Gen Lar stated. He then pointed out that communities bordering the FCT sit in close proximity to the capital, which in turn makes collaboration, proactive intelligence gathering, and timely information sharing indispensable tools for addressing emerging security challenges.
In addition to his remarks on regional security, the Commander AHQ Garrison reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Guards Brigade in achieving its operational tasks. “AHQ Garrison remains ready to provide assistance whenever required,” he assured the formation, signaling an open channel of support between the two commands going forward.
Prior to Maj Gen Lar’s remarks, the Commander of Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, welcomed his counterpart and congratulated him on his appointment. “This appointment demonstrates the confidence reposed in him by the Chief of Army Staff,” Brig Gen Onasanya said, describing the elevation as well deserved.
Moreover, Brig Gen Onasanya highlighted the long-standing synergy between Guards Brigade and AHQ Garrison, noting that it has significantly contributed to maintaining peace and stability within the FCT over the years. “We will continue to sustain the existing cooperation in operational engagements, training activities, and other areas of mutual interest,” he pledged, while also assuring that the brigade remains committed to ensuring that no security breach occurs within its areas of responsibility.
As the visit progressed, both commanders exchanged views on ways to deepen collaboration between their formations. Consequently, officers from both sides engaged in discussions covering operational readiness, training partnerships, and information-sharing protocols designed to keep pace with evolving security threats around the capital.
Eventually, the event moved into its ceremonial segment. Highlights included the signing of the visitor’s book, an exchange of souvenirs between the two commanders, and a group photograph featuring senior officers from both formations. Altogether, the gestures underscored the warm and professional relationship that both commands intend to maintain going forward.
Ultimately, the courtesy visit reflects a broader push within the Nigerian Army to strengthen inter-formation cooperation as security threats around the FCT continue to evolve. Given the capital’s symbolic and strategic weight, both commanders appear determined to ensure that Guards Brigade and AHQ Garrison remain closely aligned in their approach to safeguarding Abuja and its surrounding communities.
The visit was documented by Lieutenant Colonel Bashir Muhammad Jajira, Acting Deputy Director of Army Headquarters Garrison Public Relations.
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