'Flexibility Fees' Scandal at Ganta Methodist
Published: 03 July, 2008
The District Education Officer (DEO) in Ganta, Mr. David Kehzay, has suspended one teacher of Ganta United Methodist School for collecting fees from 12th graders as 'flexibility fees' in the just ended national exams and asked the school authorities to refund the fees.
Madam Ellen Margaret Löj, SRSG, cutting ribbon to declare station open
Be Cautious, Disciplined and Professional
Published: 20 June, 2008
MONROVIA, “Police officers must be cautious, disciplined and professional. They should not intimidate and must also be friendly and should follow the code of ethics of police,” said Madam Ellen Margaret Löj, Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) to Liberia.
Solicitor General Opposes Arming Police
Published: 12 June, 2008
Solicitor General Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe
MONROVIA, The Solicitor General (SG) of Liberia, Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe, has strongly opposed the arming of the Liberia National Police (LNP) on grounds that the LNP still needs training of mind and acquisition of some high level of professionalism.
MONROVIA, The Liberia National Police (LNP) publicly admitted yesterday that its rank and file comprised many inexperienced and unprofessional personnel.
Stakeholders Seek to Strengthen Police
Published: 10 June, 2008
The Liberia National Law Enforcement Association, (LINLEA) in collaboration with the Liberia National Police, (LNP) the Civil Society Security Sector Reform (SSR) Working Group and the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), will host a public forum today intended to strengthen the Liberia National Police.
Man, 25, Arrested with Arms in Voinjama
Published: 10 June, 2008
Liberia's Police Inspector General, Munah Sieh
LOFA COUNTY, A man, 25, (name withheld) has been arrested by the police in Voinjama, Lofa County, over the weekend for possessing five brand new guns (pistols), a situation that has sent shock and panic amongst residents of Voinjama.
Small Arms Program Stalled in Buutuo
Published: 02 June, 2008
year following the launch of the 'Arms-for-Development' program in Buutou, Nimba County, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Small Arms control process appears to be in limbo with citizens complaining that their area was being abandoned.
Liberia Marks Peacekeeping Day
Published: 30 May, 2008
On the occasion marking the annual International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers across the globe, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has disclosed that peacekeeping has developed into a flagship enterprise of the world body.
ANPPCAN Begins Training Security Officers
Published: 15 May, 2008
ANPPCAN manager Alvin Winford
The African Network for the Prevention against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN) has disclosed that it has begun a one-year capacity-building training program for Police Correction Department, Customs and Immigration Service in Nimba and Grand Gedeh counties.
Hallowanger in handshake with Sir Bettison after being introduced by Supt. Cocliff (left)
British Police Offers to Collaborate with LNP
Published: 07 May, 2008
MONROVIA, The Chief Constable (Police Inspector General) of the town of West Yorkshire, in the United Kingdom, Sir Norman Bettison, has promised to work with the Liberia National Police (LNP) in assisting to build the force's capacity.
Senate Passes Defense Act
Published: 30 April, 2008
Senate President Pro-tempore Isaac W. Nyenabo
MONROVIA, The Liberian Senate yesterday passed into law the Act repealing the 1956 Act that created the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) coming up with a new Defense Act that holistically addresses the basic military and social welfare needs of the army.
Smuggling at Bo Waterside
Published: 28 April, 2008
Customs Collector, Susana Mentor-Seton and Security and BIN Chief, Ada Obamewi(r)
GRAND CAPE MOUNT CO. -- A new cross-border trade has surfaced at the Bo Waterside border crossing between Liberia and Sierra Leone with rice, gasoline and cooking oil being smuggled from Liberia to Sierra Leone.
New AFL Numbers 1,600 With Room to Grow
Published: 28 April, 2008
Brownie J. Samukai, Jr., Defense Minister
MONROVIA -- The ongoing recruitment exercise for members of the new Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has crossed the half-way mark, reaching a strength of 1,634 soldiers.
Police Security for LIBNIC Plantation
Published: 23 April, 2008
The Commander of Bassa Police Detachment has assured residents of LIBNIC Oil Palm Plantation in District #4, Kpogban Statutory District, of security protection within the next two weeks owing to reported high criminal activities being carried on at the plantation.
(L-r) ECOSAP’s Sandy, Dep. Min Wesseh, chair of LiNCSA and Foreign Min. King Akerele
ECOSAP Engages Liberia on Arms Control Treaty
Published: 23 April, 2008
MONROVIA, The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) small arms program (ECOSAP) continues its engagement with the Liberian Government over the ratification of the treaty on proliferation of small arms and light weapons with a two-man mission currently visiting the country.
The thatched building serving as courthouse, behind is the police station
Judicial Impediments in Rivercess
Published: 18 April, 2008
RIVERCESS COUNTY, The Senior Magistrate assigned to Boegeezay Town Magisterial Court in Morweh Statutory District in Rivercess County has called for reform of the judiciary in order to make the country 'really governable'.
Police Training Commandant Off to London for Advanced Training
Published: 16 April, 2008
Commissioner James D. Hallowanger
Police Commissioner and Commandant for Training and Development, Col. James D. Hallowanger, as left the country for three (3) weeks studies in Police Administration, and Community Policing at Bradford University and the Bishopgarth Police Training School in WAKEFIELD, United Kingdom.
New Nigerian Contingent Commander Assumes Duty
Published: 10 April, 2008
The newly appointed Commander of Sector One of Nigerian Contingent (NIGCON) assigned with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Brigadier General Olu Ezekiel Olofinmuagun, has assumed duty with the Mission.
Police Crack Down on Criminals in Ganta
Published: 03 April, 2008
As crimes ranging from burglary to drugs trafficking continue to be on the rise in the commercial town of Ganta, the Liberian National Police (LNP) have begun carrying out numerous arrests and prosecutions.
At least 73 officers of the Police Support Unit (PSU) of the Liberia National Police (LNP), late Monday evening suffered the wrath of the authorities when they were dismissed effective March 31, 2008.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) and the media met in a two-hour dialogue yesterday under the auspices of the leadership of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and facilitated by Attorney Onesimus Banwon, police legal counsel.
Ellen Stresses Professional Military
Published: 28 March, 2008
MONROVIA, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, while touring the United States Navy Ships yesterday at the Freeport of Monrovia, stressed the need for a professional military as, according to her, that is crucial to societal growth and development.
IGP Munah Sieh and Immigration Commissioner Chris Massaquoi
MONROVIA, Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Chris Massaquoi and Inspector General of police Beatrice Munah Sieh, in separate interviews with reporters, have blamed deplorable living and working conditions of officers of the Liberian National Police (LNP) and the Bureau of Immigration assigned to various border points in the country on budgetary constraints.
UNMIL Frowns at Attack on Police Officers
Published: 19 March, 2008
UNMIL Boss Margrethe Loj Photo by A. M. Johnson
The Acting United Nations Police (UNPOL) Commissioner, Henrik Steirnblad, has frowned on incessant attacks on officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) by some community dwellers across the country.
L-R: Madam Robinson, SRSG Löj and Dr. Sawyer Photos by A.M. Johnson
Security Plagued with 'Same Diseases’
Published: 18 March, 2008
MONROVIA, The Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy near Monrovia, Madam Brooks Anne Robinson, has disclosed that Liberia's security sector as well as security sectors of some countries of Africa, historically have been plagued with 'some of the same diseases'.
Fort McHenry Arrives Today
Published: 17 March, 2008
A multi-national ship, Fort McHenry, will arrive in Monrovia today as part of the Africa Partnership Station (APS), a release issued by the United States Embassy has said.
Ellen Submits Defense Act to Lawmakers Soon
Published: 13 March, 2008
Defense Minister Brownie Samukai
MONROVIA, Defense Minister, Brownie J. Samukai, Jr. on Monday disclosed that President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf would shortly submit a new national defense act to the National Legislature for ratification.
IGP Sieh looks on as Amb. Lindemann-Macga and Mr. Ryan shake hands
Germany Announces US$1.4M for LNP
Published: 11 March, 2008
MONROVIA, The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has announced a contribution of US$1.4 million dollars support for training and capacity development for the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Ministry of Justice in the enforcement of law and order.
West African States to Police Coast
Published: 11 March, 2008
Agriculture Minister Dr. Chris Toe
The Government's fishery sector, in collaboration with neighboring countries, has established a common front to monitor and put an end to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing within the sub-region.
National Defense, Security Conference Kicks Off Today
Published: 10 March, 2008
Members of the National Defense and National Security Committees of the 52nd Legislature of Liberia and representatives of Civil Society working Group on Security Sector Reform are expected to participate in a training seminar on Defense Budgeting and Governance today.
US Gives 18 Vehicles to SSS
Published: 10 March, 2008
Liberia's Special Security Service (SSS) over the weekend received 18 vehicles, including 13 jeeps, four pick-ups, and a bus, worth US$600,000 from the Government of the United States of America.
Brothers of Vamuyan Sheriff at their Somalia Drive Residence
Sheriff's Family Gets Death Threats
Published: 05 March, 2008
As the trial of former President Charles Taylor continues in The Hague, The Netherlands, immediate family members of witness Dauda Sheriff in Liberia have reported several death threats on their lives.
Commanding Officer Major General Abdurrahman addressing officers before departure at RIA
Liberian Soldiers Train in Nigeria
Published: 03 March, 2008
MONROVIA, The first batch of 70 soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) were on March 1, 2008 airlifted by a Nigerian military aircraft, Hercules C-130, to the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna, to begin five months of courses in specialized warfare at one of Nigeria's most accomplished military institutions, the Infantry Corps Center and Training School, Jaji, Kaduna.
US Drops Africa Military HQ Plan
Published: 20 February, 2008
Gen William Ward said Africom's intent had been misunderstood
MONROVIA, The US military has decided to keep the headquarters of its new Africa Command in Germany, after only one African nation, Liberia, offered to host it.
Former ECOMOG FC Gen. Victor Malu greets Pres. Sirleaf Executive Mansion Photo
Top African Military Chiefs Meet with Pres. Sirleaf
Published: 14 February, 2008
MONROVIA, Chiefs of Defense Staff from three West African countries as well as the Defense Minister of Rwanda, General Marcel Gatsinzi, and former ECOMOG Force Commander, General Victor Malu, have paid courtesy calls on President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf at the Foreign Ministry in Monrovia.
Be Accountable to Constitutional Control
Published: 12 February, 2008
Chairman of GC, Amos C. Sawyer
MONROVIA, The chairman of the Governance Commission (GC), Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, said that the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has a historic challenge to deepen its legitimacy among the Liberian people and to earn their enduring respect.
Commander Rakhi Sahi briefs the SRSG as other police officers look on UNMIL Photo
SRSG Commends India
Published: 12 February, 2008
MONROVIA, UN Envoy Ellen Løj has commended the Government and people of India for their contribution to the peace and stability of Liberia, as she welcomed a new batch of all-female Indian police officers who have just assumed duty in Liberia.
Newly-commissioned officers of the new AFL and Pres. Sirleaf telling them to be respecters of law and order
Choose Confidence, Not Fear
Published: 12 February, 2008
MONROVIA, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has assured citizens and foreign residents of her Government's continued efforts at providing a favorable environment for the sustenance of the peace and stability required for the economic growth of the country.
MONROVIA, The Deputy Chief of Operation of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Lt. Col. Greg Tasker, has disclosed that by September 2008, the military personnel strength of the Mission would be reduced by at least 2,450 personnel.
484 New Soldiers Graduate from IET
Published: 06 February, 2008
Brownie J. Samukai, Jr., Defense Minister
MONROVIA, On Friday February 8, 2008 another group of Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) recruits will become soldiers, as 484 men and women graduate from Initial Entry Training (IET) at Camp Sandee Ware near Careysburg.
Lofa County Police Commander Insp., Amos Kollie, breaks ground for police depot and mini barrack
UNHCR Allocates Close to USD$1million for Law Enforcement Facilities
Published: 05 February, 2008
Monrovia, Liberia (January 30, 2008): The UN Refugee Agency has embarked on construction works worth close to USD$1million for Police, Judicial and Immigration facilities to support the Government of Liberia's Rule of Law programme within the Protection Core Group (PCG) framework. This was contained in a press release issued January 30.
US to Build Four Border Posts in Liberia
Published: 31 January, 2008
The Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization of Liberia (BIN), Christopher Massaquoi, has disclosed that the Government of the United States of America has promised to build four Liberian border posts in the country.
BIN Reacts to Media Report
Published: 21 January, 2008
BIN Chief, Chris Massaquoi
The Administration of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN) says its attention has been drawn to recent media report, (not from the Daily Observer) which allegedly quoted a dismissed officer of the Bureau as making a 'demeaning statement' about the Commissioner of the Bureau, Chris Clarence Massaquoi.
Gen. Yusuf Meets with Pres. Sirleaf
Published: 14 January, 2008
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has again spoken of the vital role Nigeria continues to play towards the restoration of lasting peace in the country. The President said the Government and people of Liberia remain appreciative of the human and material sacrifices Nigeria has made since the early stage of the Liberian civil conflict.
Restructured AFL Strength Is 1,000
Published: 14 January, 2008
Defense Minister J. Brownie Samukai, Jr.
MONROVIA, The number of men and women for the restructured Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has increased from 106 initial recruits to 1,124 personnel. They are expected to begin an Advance Individual Training course today at the Camp Ware in Careysburg.
The Ministry of National Defense (MOD) has warned those 'illegally residing in structures within the Barclay Training Center (BTC) in Monrovia to immediately vacate the buildings and relocate'.
BIN, US Embassy to Rehab Border Posts
Published: 04 January, 2008
MONROVIA, The Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN), in collaboration with the United States of America Embassy in Monrovia, is to commence the rehabilitation of the first of four border crossing points this dry season.
Liberian to Offer Voluntary Training for Police, Navy
Published: 04 January, 2008
Hebert T. Hazeley, veteran US officer
MONROVIA, A retired Liberian army and navy officer from the United States of America (USA), Mr. Hebert T. Hazeley, Jr., has offered to provide voluntary training for the police or the army.
Female Police Display New Skills
Published: 27 December, 2007
Over 100 female police recruits recently completed basic police training after benefiting from the special educational support program for female candidates to achieve better gender representation in the Liberia National Police (LNP).
Pres. Sirleaf along with the 105 female police graduates Executive Mansion Photo
‘National Dev. Rests on Your Shoulders’
Published: 26 December, 2007
MONROVIA, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has challenged 105 female recruits of the Liberia National Police (LNP) to strengthen the ongoing peace and stability in the country by building a culture of respect for the rule of law.
Security to Be Beefed Up for Festive Season
Published: 21 December, 2007
MONROVIA, The Inspector General of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Beatrice Munah Sieh, has disclosed that the LNP, in collaboration with United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the Joint Security Forces, has put in place security mechanisms to ensure calm and a slash in crime.
UN Security Council Renews Arms Embargo against Liberia
Published: 21 December, 2007
NEW YORK, Having assessed the progress made so far in meeting the conditions for lifting the sanctions, the United Nations Security Council on Thursday renewed the arms embargo imposed against Liberia for another 12 months.
President Sirleaf and officials meet AFRICOM and other US officials
Africom Will Not Be Military Base
Published: 20 December, 2007
MONROVIA, United States Africa Command (USAfricom) deputy commander Navy Vice Admiral, Robert T. Moeller has announced in Monrovia that the much talked about proposed US African Command (Africom) will not be a military base for now. He said Africom, if Liberia is to benefit from it, will be a bureaucratic administrative structure and not a military base.
The Minister of National Defense (MOD), Brownie J. Samukai, Jr., has announced in Monrovia at a news conference that the Government through the Ministry will today Tuesday, begin activating the three companies in the new Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). The exercise is expected to commence at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS).
Police Commander for Training Warns Junior Officers
Published: 14 December, 2007
James D. Hallowanger Photo by A.M. Johnson
MONROVIA, Police Commissioner for Training and Development at the National Police Training Academy (NPTA), James D. Hallowanger, speaking to junior officers at a recent graduation ceremony warned them against extorting money from complainants who usually come to lodge complaints.
Three commanders and security personnel at three strategic entry points in Foya District in Lofa County, were early this week proud recipients of three generators intended to buttress their efforts to effectively man the borders.
Maintain the Peace and Security for Investors
Published: 06 December, 2007
“Maintain the peace and security for more investors to come into the country,” Brig. General Monawar Hossain, commander of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) Sector #3 urges Nimbaians.
