Edo to Deploys 1,000 Forest Guards, 5,400 Security Network Officers to Tackle Insecurity — Ebea

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to making security a top priority, announcing the deployment of over 1,000 forest guards and 5,400 Edo State Security Network officers to strengthen security across communities in the state.

Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, disclosed this on Wednesday during a joint press briefing in Benin City alongside the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, and the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Saturday Uwuilekhue.

Ebea said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is leaving no stone unturned in addressing security challenges and ensuring the safety of lives and property across Edo State.

According to him, the state government initially engaged 500 forest guards to secure forests and farming communities, while the Federal Government recently approved an additional 500 personnel, bringing the total number to over 1,000.

He explained that the forest guards would operate from strategic locations within the forests and be deployed to identified flashpoints, including border communities adjoining neighbouring states, to curb criminal activities and provide protection for farmers.

The commissioner also revealed that the government has uncovered the involvement of some youths in aiding criminal elements, including kidnappers, warning that anyone found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted.

“The government is determined to go after all those involved in criminal activities. Anyone found aiding or abetting crime will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Ebea further disclosed that the state has recruited 300 Edo State Security Network officers in each of the 18 local government areas, bringing the total number of operatives to 5,400.

He noted that the abuse of illicit drugs has contributed significantly to some of the violent crimes recorded in the state, adding that the government is intensifying efforts to identify and prosecute offenders.

The commissioner said the state government is working closely with security agencies to comb every part of the state and dismantle criminal networks.

He appealed to residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information that could aid the arrest of criminal elements, assuring them that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality and professionalism.

Ebea reiterated the Okpebholo administration’s resolve to sustain proactive security measures aimed at guaranteeing peace, safety and development across Edo State.