The Guards Brigade Nigerian Army on Saturday December 29, 2018 held its end of year Ascent of the Aso Rock, the last training exercise stipulated in its Calender of events for the year.
The Commander of the elite Brigade, Brigadier General Umar Tama Musa led the tough mountain climb exercise along with Commanding Officers (COs) of the Unit Battalions under his Command and Principal Officers of the Brigade headquarters.
Also on hand to participate in the Ascent were personnel of Defence and Services headquarters, members and families of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian Police represented by MOPOL 21 Squadron, Abuja, Federal Road Safety Commission and the Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps.
The Aso Rock is the most domineering natural feature in the environs of the city of Abuja.
The peak of the rock provides an observer with a clear overview of the Federal Capital Territory.
Being close to the Headquarters Guards Brigade also makes it an integral part of the formation used as an important natural feature to test the physical fitness of troops under Command.
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Speaking at the end of the exercise. Brigadier General Musa commended officers and soldiers of Guards Brigade for the enthusiasm displayed in the mountain climb exercise noting that it underscores the fact that troops are in top physical conditions.
His words, “Ascent of Aso Rock is usually the last programme in our forecast of events. I want to thank everyone, officers and soldiers for a successful year. For our visitors including the diplomatic community, it may serve as adventure but to us, it a training exercise.
Harping on the security of the Federal Capital territory especially as the New Year approaches and 2019 elections is at hand, the Brigade Commander said, “My assurance to every FCT resident is that the Nigerian Army is doing and will do everything yo safeguard lives and property at all times.
“It is the duty of the Police to ensure protection of lives and property but over time, we have been working in synergy with sister security agencies and achieving results and this will continue.
Commenting on some of the challenges that confronted the Army in the year, Brigadier General Musa said 2018 was a very challenging year noting that the major challenge was asymetric warfare whereby you don’t know the enemy you are fighting with.
He however pointed out that with better understanding and strategies the Nigerian Army was overcoming the challenges.
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