The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has commended the ongoing training of 500 forest guards in Edo, saying it has met the required standards.

Maj.-Gen. Hilary Mabeokwu, Director of Defence Affairs at ONSA, disclosed this on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Gov. Monday Okpebholo at the Government House in Benin.

Mabeokwu lauded the commitment of Okpebholo to the effective training of the guards.

The ONSA official, who led an evaluation team to assess the training at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin City, said the exercise was progressing in line with the standards approved by the national security adviser.

According to him, the team is in the state as a committed partner in a shared vision for the sustainable development and security of the state and the country at large.

“We are here to interact with you on the ongoing training of the 500 forest guards.

“The committee is tasked with monitoring the programme and ensuring that the required training standards are met.

“We have just returned from the training camp, where we used our evaluation templates to assess the trainees.

“We examined the suitability of the training environment, the security arrangements around the camp, accommodation, quality of feeding, and the Instructional methods adopted by the trainers.

“We also verified that the training aligns with the schedule approved by the office of the national security adviser.

“In addition, we assessed the available medical facilities, the welfare of the instructors, and several other critical components,” he said.

The team, he said, was impressed with what it observed, particularly the trainees’ weapon-handling skills, which he described as highly satisfactory.

He added that the programme was progressing according to schedule, with between 65 and 70 per cent of the training already completed.

According to him, the initiative is a critical component of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to combat terrorism and banditry by producing well-trained forest guards capable of securing forests and other ungoverned spaces often exploited by criminals.

He further praised Okpebholo’s leadership, saying his commitment to protecting lives and property had contributed significantly to the state’s development.

Also speaking, the Edo Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Mr Eboa Odianosen, said the evaluation team expressed satisfaction with the standard of the training and facilities provided.

Responding, Gov. Okpebholo hailed President Bola Tinubu and the NSA for approving the recruitment and training of the 500 forest guards in Edo.

“Edo is fortunate to benefit from this initiative.

“Our state and the nation must be secured, especially through effective protection of our forests, where criminal elements often establish hideouts to carry out their nefarious activities.

“The training of these 500 forest guards will strengthen our capacity to secure our forests.

“Protecting lives and property remains our top priority as leaders.

“Leadership comes with the responsibility of creating a safe environment for citizens and businesses.

“We will continue to do everything humanly possible to keep Edo state safe and free from crime,” the governor said. (NAN)