Edo Govt Deploys 1,000 Forest Guards, 5,400 Local Security Officers to Flush Criminals from Hideouts

Edo Govt Deploys 1,000 Forest Guards, 5,400 Local Security Officers to Flush Criminals from Hideouts

Habiba Sam 

In a bold move to reclaim Edo’s forests and protect rural communities, the Edo State Government has deployed 500 newly recruited Forest Guards, joining the 500 personnel recently approved by the Federal Government. The combined force of 1,000 guards is now stationed across the state’s bushes, border areas, and “black spots” to dismantle criminal hideouts and secure farming communities.

Disclosing this  during the weekly briefing by the Ministry of Information and Strategy in Benin City, the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Hon. Fesus Ebea, said the government designed the operation to place guard posts directly inside the forests. The strategy, he explained, is to deny kidnappers, armed gangs, and other criminal elements the safe havens they have exploited around boundaries with neighbouring states.

“These Forest Guards will live and operate from forest bases,” Hon. Ebea stated. “Their mandate is clear: secure the bushes, protect farmers and travelers, and ensure no community becomes an easy target again.”

The Commissioner raised concern over a disturbing trend uncovered by intelligence reports: collaboration between some local youths and invading criminal gangs. He noted that a few youths have been aiding kidnappers in abducting innocent residents, often for quick gain. The government, he warned, is tracking these collaborators and will prosecute anyone found complicit, no matter their status.

Beyond the forests, Edo State has also strengthened its local security architecture. Hon. Ebea revealed that the Edo State Security Network has engaged 300 officers in each of the 18 Local Government Areas, totaling 5,400 officers deployed at the grassroots. These officers work alongside conventional security agencies to patrol streets, monitor flashpoints, and respond quickly to threats.

Addressing the recent killings in parts of the state, the Commissioner said preliminary investigations link many of the attacks to drug abuse and drug-related conflicts. “Some of the killings we are witnessing today are drug-induced. The government is going after drug peddlers, users, and the criminal networks behind them. We will not spare anyone caught,” he declared.

To ensure no area is left exposed, Hon. Ebea confirmed that the state government is in full collaboration with the Police, Army, DSS, Civil Defence, and other security agencies to comb every nook and cranny of Edo. Joint patrols, raids, and intelligence operations are ongoing to sweep criminal elements out of communities.

He appealed to residents to support the security drive by providing credible information on suspicious movements and criminal activities. “Your information will be treated with absolute confidentiality. Security agencies at your doorstep are ready to act, but they need your eyes and ears. If you see something, say something,” he urged.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Kazeem Afegbua, added that Governor Monday Okpebholo remains determined to extend development and security across all 18 LGAs. “No local government will be left out. Safety is the foundation for development, and this government is building both together,”  adding that  the government is open to constructive criticism not deliberate falsehood ,he said.

Hon. Afegbua also addressed welfare concerns, clarifying that the 5,000 casual teachers absorbed by the current administration are not being owed salaries. “If any teacher has payment issues, they should report so we can resolve it immediately,” he assured.

On urban security and order, the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Saturday Iyalekhue, listed measures introduced to restore sanity on Edo roads: 

Prohibition of unauthorized parking, which has eased traffic at New Benin, MM Way, Ekiosa, and other busy areas. Ban on unpainted vehicles, including cars and tricycles, for easy identification and security tracking. Reaffirmation of the ban on commercial motorcycles in Benin metropolis, restricted only to Auchi and Sapele Road bypass.  Ban on roadside repairs by mechanics, with faulty vehicles now promptly towed to reduce traffic and security risks.  Cancellation of “priority loading” in motor parks to ensure fairness among transport operators.

Together, these security and urban management measures show that the Edo State Government is not just reacting to crime .it is building a layered, proactive security shield. From the forests to the streets, from border towns to city centers, the message is clear: Edo is closing in on criminals, and safety of lives and property remains top priority.