NSA Commends Governor Okpebholo Over Training of 500 Forest Guards to Strengthen Edo Security

Kingsley Ohens reporting

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the ongoing training of 500 forest guards, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance internal security and safeguard communities across the state.

The commendation was conveyed on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Governor Okpebholo at Government House, Benin City, by an ONSA evaluation team led by the Director of Defence Affairs, Major General Hilary Mabeokwu.

According to Major General Mabeokwu, the delegation visited Edo State to assess the forest guards’ training programme currently taking place at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks. He explained that the evaluation covered critical aspects of the programme, including the training environment, camp security, accommodation, feeding, medical services, instructors’ welfare, and compliance with the training schedule approved by the National Security Adviser.

He disclosed that the team was satisfied with the progress recorded so far, noting that the programme has adhered to the required standards.

“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.

He further revealed that approximately 65 to 70 per cent of the training has been completed, expressing particular satisfaction with the trainees’ proficiency in weapon handling and other operational competencies.

The ONSA official described the initiative as a strategic component of the Federal Government’s broader security architecture aimed at combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities through the deployment of well-trained forest guards to secure forests and other ungoverned spaces often exploited by criminal elements.

He also applauded Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that the administration’s proactive security measures have continued to strengthen peace, stability and development across Edo State.

Also speaking, the Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Eboa Odianosen, said the evaluation team expressed satisfaction with the quality of training and the standard of facilities provided for the recruits.

In his response, Governor Okpebholo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for approving the recruitment and training of the 500 forest guards for Edo State.

The governor said the initiative would significantly reinforce security operations across the state’s forest reserves, denying criminal groups the safe havens they have previously exploited.

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

The successful evaluation by the Office of the National Security Adviser reinforces confidence in Edo State’s commitment to strengthening security through strategic collaboration with the Federal Government, while advancing Governor Okpebholo’s vision of a safer and more secure environment for residents and investors alike.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele.