Okpebholo Asks Newly Trained Forest Guards to Secure Edo Forests
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has charged newly trained forest guards to remain dedicated, disciplined, and patriotic in carrying out their responsibility of protecting the state’s forests from criminal activities. The governor stressed that the safety and preservation of Edo’s forest reserves are crucial to the security, economic development, and environmental sustainability of the state.
Speaking during the passing-out ceremony of the newly trained forest guards, Governor Okpebholo described the establishment of the forest security initiative as a significant step towards tackling insecurity in remote communities and restoring confidence among residents, farmers, investors, and visitors. He said the government remains committed to ensuring that criminal elements no longer exploit forest areas as safe havens for kidnapping, illegal logging, armed robbery, and other unlawful activities.
The governor commended the trainees for successfully completing the rigorous training programme, noting that the knowledge and skills they had acquired would prepare them for the enormous task ahead. He urged them to uphold professionalism, respect the rights of citizens, and discharge their duties with integrity while working in collaboration with conventional security agencies.
According to Governor Okpebholo, the newly inaugurated forest guards represent a new chapter in the state’s efforts to strengthen community-based security architecture. He explained that forests play a strategic role in the economy of Edo State through agriculture, tourism, timber resources, and biodiversity conservation, making their protection a top government priority.
He emphasized that securing the forests would not only curb criminal activities but also create a safer environment for farmers to return to their farmlands without fear. The governor observed that many rural communities had suffered from insecurity in recent years, with farmers abandoning productive lands due to threats posed by criminal gangs operating within forest reserves.
Governor Okpebholo stated that his administration would continue investing in security initiatives designed to safeguard lives and property across the state. He assured the forest guards that the government would provide the necessary operational support, logistics, and welfare packages to enable them to perform effectively.
The governor warned the guards against misconduct, abuse of power, or collaboration with criminal elements, stressing that any officer found compromising the integrity of the security outfit would face strict disciplinary measures in accordance with the law. He reminded them that they had been entrusted with a sensitive national responsibility and should always conduct themselves in a manner worthy of public confidence.
“Our forests must no longer serve as safe havens for criminals. They should become places that contribute positively to economic growth, environmental conservation, and sustainable development,” the governor said while addressing the newly trained personnel.
He further encouraged the guards to work closely with local communities, traditional rulers, vigilante groups, and law enforcement agencies to gather intelligence capable of preventing security threats before they escalate. According to him, effective community engagement remains one of the strongest weapons in combating crime.
Security experts have consistently identified forests across parts of Nigeria as areas where criminal groups often establish operational bases due to difficult terrain and limited security presence. In response to these challenges, several state governments have introduced forest security outfits to strengthen surveillance and complement the efforts of the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies.
Governor Okpebholo noted that Edo State would continue adopting proactive measures aimed at improving public safety while promoting responsible management of natural resources. He maintained that environmental protection and security should go hand in hand, as forests contribute significantly to climate regulation, wildlife conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
The newly trained forest guards underwent intensive instruction covering physical fitness, intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, emergency response, communication techniques, conflict resolution, human rights principles, and environmental protection. The training programme was designed to equip them with both tactical and ethical knowledge necessary for effective service.
Government officials present at the ceremony expressed confidence that the guards would strengthen security operations in forest communities and reduce incidents of kidnapping, illegal mining, unauthorized logging, and destruction of natural resources. They described the initiative as part of broader reforms aimed at improving governance and enhancing public safety throughout Edo State.
Community leaders also welcomed the deployment of the forest guards, expressing hope that increased surveillance would encourage displaced farmers to resume agricultural activities. They observed that improved security could boost food production, stimulate rural economic development, and attract investment into previously affected communities.
Environmental stakeholders praised the government’s decision to combine security operations with conservation efforts, arguing that protecting forests from criminal exploitation would also help preserve biodiversity and combat environmental degradation. They urged the authorities to ensure continuous training, adequate funding, and effective monitoring of the personnel to sustain the programme’s long-term success.
Residents who attended the ceremony expressed optimism that the initiative would produce tangible improvements in security across the state. Many said they expected stronger cooperation between the forest guards and local communities to produce timely intelligence capable of preventing criminal activities before they occur.
Governor Okpebholo concluded by reaffirming his administration’s determination to build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Edo State where citizens can live, work, and invest without fear. He urged the newly trained forest guards to remain committed to the oath they had taken and to see themselves as ambassadors of peace, discipline, and public service.
As the forest guards prepare to begin active deployment across various forest reserves and rural communities, expectations remain high that the initiative will contribute meaningfully to strengthening security, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable development throughout Edo State. The success of the programme, observers say, will depend largely on
professionalism, adequate government support, and sustained collaboration with existing security agencies and local communities.
