Governor Okpebholo orders immediate action as recruits prepare for deployment across all 18 LGAs
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has charged 497 newly trained Forest Guards to take the fight against insecurity into the state’s forests, declaring that criminal elements will no longer be allowed to use ungoverned areas as safe havens.
The governor gave the charge during the passing-out parade and induction ceremony of the recruits held at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin City.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Musa Yakubu, Governor Okpebholo congratulated the recruits on successfully completing their training and urged them to serve with courage, discipline, professionalism and integrity.
He described the Forest Guard initiative as a major component of his administration’s strategy to strengthen Edo State’s security architecture and reclaim forest areas allegedly being used by kidnappers and other criminal groups.
According to the governor, the responsibility of the newly inducted personnel goes beyond protecting the forests, as they are also expected to support existing security agencies in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property.
“The training you have undergone is only the beginning of your responsibility. As you step into active service, remember that you are ambassadors of Edo State. The people expect courage, discipline and dedication from you. Your duty is to protect our forests, support law enforcement agencies and contribute to the peace and security of our dear state,” the governor said.
Governor Okpebholo assured the officers that dedication, hard work and professionalism would be recognised and rewarded, encouraging them to remain committed to their responsibilities.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was represented at the ceremony by Commissioner of Police Aniefiok Akpan, also congratulated the graduates on completing their training.
He disclosed that the newly trained Forest Guards would be deployed immediately across all 18 local government areas of Edo State, with special attention given to ungoverned forest areas considered vulnerable to criminal activities.
The deployment is expected to complement ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal logging and other crimes linked to forest locations.
The Forest Guard programme forms part of broader efforts by the Edo State Government to improve security, protect rural communities and deny criminal groups access to forest hideouts.
Security has remained one of the key priorities of the Okpebholo administration, with the government promising to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies to ensure the safety of residents across the state.
The passing-out parade marks the beginning of active service for the 497 recruits, who are expected to play a frontline role in safeguarding Edo’s forests and supporting efforts to maintain law and order.
IBN News reports that the deployment of the Forest Guards is expected to commence immediately following the completion of the induction ceremony.
