Vigilance and Sacrifice: Commander Guards Brigade Charges Troops After Exercise Shining Star

Vigilance and Sacrifice: Commander Guards Brigade Charges Troops After Exercise Shining Star

The Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, has successfully concluded Exercise SHINNING STAR, a field training exercise designed to enhance the tactical proficiency, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruits Intake.

The exercise, which commenced with its tactical phase at the General OA Azazi Parade Ground, Gwagwalada, on 14 September 2026, was formally concluded on 18 September 2026 at the 176 Guards Battalion Forward Operating Base, Kwali, with the Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General AO Onasanya, presiding over the closing ceremony.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commander stated that the exercise was designed to train and practise the young soldiers in subsidiary operations and enabling activities, including fighting and clearance patrols, raids, road blocks, ambushes, as well as cordon and search operations. He noted that the exercise was aimed at sharpening the combat effectiveness of personnel while improving tactical proficiency, battlefield coordination and operational readiness.

Brigadier General Onasanya further emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in confronting contemporary security challenges, noting that the exercise provided an opportunity for the Nigerian Army to work alongside other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria. He stressed that effective intelligence sharing, coordination and interoperability remain critical to successful joint operations.

The exercise subsequently provided the young soldiers with practical exposure to field operations, while also creating an avenue for participating security agencies to strengthen cooperation and coordination. During the exercise, troops, in conjunction with other security agencies, conducted patrols and clearance operations in communities and hinterland areas, with operations resulting in the disruption of criminal activities and denial of freedom of action to criminal elements.

The operations also led to the arrest of several individuals involved in illegal mining activities and the seizure of their equipment. According to the Commander, the development demonstrated the resolve of the participating security agencies to protect national resources, support lawful economic activities and create a secure environment for communities within the area of operation.

At the closing ceremony, Brigadier General Onasanya described the exercise as a demonstration of the Brigade’s continued commitment to training, professional development and operational readiness. He noted that the exercise had gone beyond testing tactical proficiency, as it had also contributed directly to the security of the Brigade’s area of operation.

The Commander charged personnel to remain steadfast and dedicated to their duties, urging them to sustain the knowledge, skills and professional relationships acquired during the exercise. He particularly reminded the young soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruits Intake that their development as soldiers is a lifelong process, urging them to remain disciplined and continue to strive for excellence.

He also reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to its motto, “Vigilance and Sacrifice,” and emphasized the importance of safety, discipline and professionalism in all military operations.

In conclusion, the Commander expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his continued support towards training and operational activities, as well as the leadership and personnel of participating security agencies for their cooperation and commitment to a safer Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

Having completed the training in line with Army Headquarters Training Directives, Brigadier General AO Onasanya formally declared Exercise SHINNING STAR closed, bringing the field training exercise to an end.