The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has commended the ongoing training of 500 forest guards in Edo State, saying the programme has met the required operational and welfare standards.
Maj.-Gen. Hilary Mabeokwu, Director of Defence Affairs at ONSA, made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to Governor Monday Okpebholo in Benin City. He said an evaluation team inspected the training at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, and found that the exercise was progressing in line with the standards approved by the National Security Adviser.
According to Mabeokwu, the team assessed the training environment, security arrangements, accommodation, feeding, instructional methods, medical facilities and the welfare of instructors. He added that the trainees’ weapon-handling skills were highly satisfactory and that about 65 to 70 per cent of the programme had been completed.
He described the initiative as part of the Federal Government’s strategy to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities by securing forests and ungoverned spaces often used as hideouts by criminals.
Governor Okpebholo thanked President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for approving the recruitment and training of the forest guards. He said the programme would strengthen Edo State’s capacity to protect forests, secure communities and support economic activities by improving safety across the state.
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