Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state has charged 497 newly trained forest guards to secure ungoverned forest areas and strengthen the state’s security architecture as part of efforts to tackle insecurity.
The governor gave the charge during the passing-out parade and induction ceremony for the recruits at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin City.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Musa Yakubu, Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing security across the state and ensuring residents live in a peaceful and safe environment.
Congratulating the recruits on the successful completion of their rigorous training programme, the governor urged them to uphold discipline, professionalism and integrity as they commence active duty in forest communities across Edo state.
He described the Forest Guard initiative as a critical component of his administration’s security strategy aimed at reclaiming forest areas from criminal elements, curbing illegal activities and improving public safety.
“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.
Okpebholo also encouraged the new forest guards to remain committed to excellence, assuring them that dedication and professionalism would be recognised and rewarded.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Commissioner of Police Aniefiok Akpan, congratulated the graduates and disclosed that they would be deployed immediately across the state’s 18 local government areas, with particular focus on ungoverned forest spaces.
He said the deployment is expected to strengthen security operations, support existing law enforcement agencies and enhance efforts to combat criminal activities in remote forest communities across Edo state.