Fear Grips Kidnappers, Bandits as Okpebholo Deploys 497 Forest Guards Across Edo

Fear and uncertainty may have begun spreading through criminal hideouts across Edo State following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s deployment of 497 newly trained forest guards to reclaim the forests from kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.

The operatives, who have completed a rigorous training programme, are to be deployed immediately across Edo’s 18 local government areas, with particular attention given to ungoverned forest territories exploited by criminal gangs.

Speaking during their passing-out parade and induction ceremony at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin City, Governor Okpebholo declared that Edo’s forests must no longer serve as safe havens for criminals.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Musa Yakubu, the governor charged the guards to operate with courage, discipline, professionalism and integrity while supporting conventional security agencies to protect communities.

“The training you have undergone is only the beginning of your responsibility. Your duty is to protect our forests, support law enforcement agencies and contribute to the peace and security of our dear state,” Okpebholo stated.

The development signals a major escalation in the administration’s battle against kidnapping, banditry, illegal logging and other criminal activities carried out within difficult forest terrain.

With nearly 500 trained personnel preparing to penetrate previously ungoverned spaces, criminal elements hiding in Edo’s forests may now be forced to confront a new reality: the bushes are no longer theirs to control.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Commissioner of Police Aniefiok Akpan, congratulated the graduates and confirmed their immediate deployment across the state.

For residents, farmers, travellers and rural communities frequently exposed to attacks, the deployment could mark a decisive step towards restoring confidence and reclaiming territories once considered dangerous.

For kidnappers and bandits, however, Governor Okpebholo’s message appears unmistakable:

The forests are being reclaimed—and the hiding places are shrinking.