Okpebholo lauded over training of 500 Edo forest guards

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the ongoing training of 500 forest guards aimed at strengthening security across the state.

Maj.-Gen. Hilary Mabeokwu, Director of Defence Affairs at ONSA, gave the commendation yesterday when he led an evaluation team on a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City. Mabeokwu said the team was in Edo State to assess the training programme at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, where the forest guards are undergoing intensive training.

According to him, the assessment covered the training environment, camp security, accommodation, feeding, medical facilities, instructors’ welfare and compliance with the training schedule approved by the National Security Adviser.

“We have just returned from the training camp, where we assessed the trainees using our evaluation templates. We are satisfied that the programme is progressing in line with the approved standards,” he said.

Mabeokwu disclosed that the team was particularly impressed by the trainees’ weapon-handling skills, adding that between 65 and 70 per cent of the programme had been completed.

He described the initiative as part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to combat terrorism, banditry and other security threats by deploying well-trained personnel to secure forests and other ungoverned spaces often used by criminal elements.

He also commended Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that his administration’s efforts had contributed significantly to peace and development in the state.

Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, said the evaluation team expressed satisfaction with the quality of training and the facilities provided for the programme.

Responding, Governor Okpebholo thanked President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for approving the recruitment and training of the 500 forest guards for Edo State.

He said the initiative would significantly strengthen security in the state’s forests, which have often served as hideouts for criminal groups.

“Protecting lives and property remains our top priority. We will continue to do everything possible to keep Edo State safe and free from crime,” the governor said.