NSA Commends Governor Okpebholo as Edo Trains 500 Forest Guards to Boost Security
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the ongoing training of 500 forest guards aimed at strengthening security across the state.
The commendation followed an assessment visit by an ONSA evaluation team led by Maj.-Gen. Hilary Mabeokwu, Director of Defence Affairs, to the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin City, where the recruits are undergoing training.
According to the team, the training programme is progressing in line with approved standards, with about 65–70 percent already completed. The assessment covered the training environment, camp security, accommodation, feeding, medical services, instructors' welfare, and compliance with the approved training schedule.
The evaluation team also expressed satisfaction with the trainees' weapon-handling skills and described the initiative as part of the Federal Government's broader strategy to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats by securing forests and ungoverned spaces often used by criminal elements.
Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Eboa Odianosen, said the evaluators were impressed with both the quality of training and the facilities provided.
Governor Okpebholo, in his response, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for approving the recruitment and training of the 500 forest guards for Edo State. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that the initiative would help secure the state's forests and deny criminals safe havens.
The commendation followed an assessment visit by an ONSA evaluation team led by Maj.-Gen. Hilary Mabeokwu, Director of Defence Affairs, to the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin City, where the recruits are undergoing training.
According to the team, the training programme is progressing in line with approved standards, with about 65–70 percent already completed. The assessment covered the training environment, camp security, accommodation, feeding, medical services, instructors' welfare, and compliance with the approved training schedule.
The evaluation team also expressed satisfaction with the trainees' weapon-handling skills and described the initiative as part of the Federal Government's broader strategy to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats by securing forests and ungoverned spaces often used by criminal elements.
Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Eboa Odianosen, said the evaluators were impressed with both the quality of training and the facilities provided.
Governor Okpebholo, in his response, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for approving the recruitment and training of the 500 forest guards for Edo State. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that the initiative would help secure the state's forests and deny criminals safe havens.
