Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has charged 497 newly trained forest guards to take full responsibility for securing ungoverned forest areas and reinforcing the state’s overall security framework.
The governor gave the charge on Monday during the passing-out parade and induction ceremony held at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Musa Yakubu, Okpebholo reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving security and ensuring that residents can live in peace.
He congratulated the recruits on successfully completing their rigorous training and urged them to maintain high standards of discipline, professionalism, and integrity as they begin service across forest communities.
The governor described the forest guard programme as a central pillar of his administration’s security strategy aimed at reclaiming forests from criminal elements and curbing illegal activities. He noted that the initiative would enhance public safety by increasing security presence in areas previously vulnerable to criminal threats.
“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. The people expect courage, discipline and dedication from the new forest guards. Your duty is to protect our forests, support law enforcement agencies and contribute to the peace and security of our dear state,” he told the graduates.
Also speaking, the National Security Adviser, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Commissioner of Police in Edo, Mr. Aniefiok Akpan, congratulated the new forest guards on completing their training. He announced that they would be deployed immediately across the state’s 18 local government areas, with special focus on ungoverned forest zones.
Ribadu emphasised that the guards would play a vital role in supporting broader security efforts to prevent criminal activities and improve safety throughout Edo State.