The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for initiating the training of 500 forest guards as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect vulnerable areas across the state.
The commendation was made on Thursday when a delegation from ONSA, led by the Director of Defence Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Hilary Mabeokwu, visited the governor at the Government House in Benin City.
According to Mabeokwu, the visit was part of an assessment exercise to evaluate the ongoing training programme at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, where the forest guards are receiving instruction.
He said the evaluation team reviewed key areas including the training environment, camp security, accommodation, feeding arrangements, medical facilities, instructors’ welfare and compliance with the approved training schedule of 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 according to the approved standards,” Mabeokwu said.
The ONSA official expressed satisfaction with the progress of the exercise, noting that between 65 and 70 per cent of the training had been completed. He added that the trainees had shown impressive competence, particularly in weapon-handling skills.
Mabeokwu described the initiative as part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to combat terrorism, banditry and other security challenges by deploying trained personnel to protect forests and ungoverned spaces often exploited by criminal elements.
He also praised Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, saying the efforts were contributing to improved security and development in Edo State.
The Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, said the evaluation team expressed satisfaction with the quality of training and facilities provided for the forest guards.
In his response, Governor Okpebholo thanked President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for approving the recruitment and training programme for the 500 forest guards in Edo State.
The governor said the initiative would help secure the state’s forests, which have in the past been used as hideouts by 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,” Okpebholo said.
