Okpebholo charges 497 new Forest Guards to secure Edo

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has charged 497 newly trained Forest Guards to secure ungoverned forest areas and strengthen the state’s security architecture.

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 reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving security and ensuring that residents continue to 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 begin active service across forest communities in the state.

He described the Forest Guard initiative as a critical component of his administration’s security strategy aimed at reclaiming forests from criminal groups, 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,” he said.

The governor also encouraged the graduates to remain committed to excellence, assuring them that dedication, loyalty and professionalism would always be recognised and rewarded.

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 18 local government areas of Edo State, with particular attention to the ungoverned forest areas, to strengthen security and support ongoing efforts to flush out criminal elements from the state’s forests.