The Edo State Government has inducted 497 newly trained Forest Guards as part of a renewed effort to strengthen security across the state’s forest reserves and tackle criminal activities in previously ungoverned areas.
The newly trained personnel completed their programme and officially passed out during a ceremony held on Monday at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin City, where they were charged to serve with discipline, professionalism and integrity.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Musa Yakubu, said the Forest Guard initiative forms a critical part of his administration’s strategy to improve security and protect lives and property across Edo State.
He explained that the deployment of the guards is aimed at reclaiming forests from criminal elements, preventing illegal activities and creating a safer environment for residents.
Congratulating the graduates on successfully completing their rigorous training, the governor urged them to remain dedicated to their responsibilities as they begin active service. 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,” he said.
According to the governor, the people of Edo expect courage, discipline and commitment from the new recruits as they work alongside conventional security agencies.
Okpebholo noted that the Forest Guards will play an important role in protecting forest communities, supporting law enforcement agencies and preventing criminal groups from using forests as operational hideouts.
He encouraged the personnel to discharge their duties with honesty and professionalism, assuring them that outstanding performance and dedication would be recognised and rewarded.
“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, the governor added.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Commissioner of Police Aniefiok Akpan, congratulated the graduates on completing their training.
He disclosed that the newly inducted Forest Guards would be deployed immediately across all 18 local government areas of Edo State, with special attention given to ungoverned forest regions that have become vulnerable to criminal activities.
According to the NSA’s representative, the deployment is designed to strengthen security presence in remote locations and improve intelligence gathering in communities bordering forest reserves.
The induction forms part of the collaborative security efforts between the Federal Government and the Edo State Government to combat kidnapping, banditry, illegal logging and other criminal activities often linked to forest environments.
Security experts have consistently identified ungoverned forests as safe havens for criminal gangs involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across parts of the country.
The establishment of the Forest Guard Corps is expected to complement the operations of the Nigeria Police Force, the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies operating within the state.
Residents and stakeholders have expressed optimism that the initiative will enhance surveillance, improve response to security threats and restore confidence in communities located near forest areas.
