497 Newly Trained Forest Guards Set For Deployment Across Edo [SEE PHOTOS]

For years, criminal elements have taken advantage of remote and ungoverned forest areas to carry out kidnappings, illegal logging and other crimes. To tackle this growing security challenge, the Edo State Government has trained and inducted 497 forest guards who will help secure the state's forests and support existing security agencies.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the newly trained personnel completed their training at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin City, and are now set for deployment across Edo State.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his Chief of Staff, Musa Yakubu, charged the recruits to carry out their responsibilities with discipline, professionalism and integrity as they begin protecting forest communities and helping to keep residents safe.

The forest guard initiative is part of the state government's broader effort to deny criminal groups safe havens, improve security across rural communities and strengthen Edo's overall security architecture.

The recruits are expected to be deployed immediately across the 18 local government areas, with a special focus on ungoverned forest areas.