The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has given a strong endorsement to the ongoing training programme for 500 forest guards in Edo State, confirming that it fully meets the approved national standards.
Maj.-Gen. Hilary Mabeokwu, Director of Defence Affairs at ONSA, conveyed this commendation on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Governor Monday Okpebholo at the Government House in Benin City.
Mabeokwu, who led an evaluation team to assess the training at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin, lauded Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to the programme. He stated that the team was in the state as a strategic partner supporting sustainable development and enhanced security.
“We have just returned from the training camp, where we used our evaluation templates to assess the trainees,” he explained. The team examined critical aspects including the suitability of the training environment, security arrangements, accommodation, quality of feeding, instructional methods, medical facilities, and overall welfare.
Mabeokwu noted that the programme is progressing according to schedule, with 65 to 70 percent of the training already completed. He was particularly impressed with the trainees’ weapon-handling skills, which he described as highly satisfactory.
The ONSA official emphasised that the initiative forms a vital part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to combat terrorism and banditry by equipping forest guards to effectively secure forests and other vulnerable areas often exploited by criminal elements.
The Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Mr. Eboa Odianosen, also confirmed that the evaluation team expressed overall satisfaction with the quality of training and facilities provided.
In his response, Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for approving the recruitment and training of the 500 forest guards for Edo State.
“Edo is fortunate to benefit from this initiative,” the governor said. He stressed that protecting lives and property remains a top priority, noting that securing the state’s forests is essential to preventing criminals from using them as hideouts.
Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s determination to create a safe environment for citizens and businesses, assuring that every possible effort would be made to keep Edo secure and free from crime.
The training programme is expected to significantly strengthen the state’s capacity to tackle insecurity, particularly in rural and forested areas, as part of ongoing collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments.
