Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has charged 497 newly trained forest guards to secure ungoverned forest areas and strengthen the state’s security architecture.
Mr Okpebholo gave the charge on Monday during the passing-out parade and induction ceremony for the recruits at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin.
The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Musa Yakubu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving security and ensuring residents live peacefully.
He congratulated the recruits for successfully completing their rigorous training and urged them to uphold discipline, professionalism and integrity while serving across forest communities.
Mr Okpebholo described the forest guard initiative as a key component of his administration’s security strategy to reclaim forests from criminal groups and curb illegal activities.
He said the initiative would also enhance public safety by strengthening security presence in areas vulnerable to criminal activities and other 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 said.
Also speaking, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, congratulated the graduates on successfully completing their training.
Mr Ribadu, represented by the Commissioner of Police in Edo, Aniefiok Akpan, said the newly inducted forest guards would be deployed immediately across the state’s 18 local government areas.
He said particular attention would be given to ungoverned forest areas, where the guards would support broader efforts to prevent criminal activities and improve security.