By: Emmanuel Tarpeh Quiah
As neighboring Côte d’Ivoire prepares for its normal presidential and legislative elections, the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) has stepped up border safety operations in Maryland County to make sure peace, security, and stability alongside the Liberian–Ivorian frontier.
Based on Commander Abdul Jallahquay Sr., head of the LIS in Maryland County and coordinator of the joint safety, further immigration officers have been strategically deployed throughout all main and unofficial border crossing factors, together with areas round Kablaken, Toe City, Glofaken, and the Cavalla River axis.
Commander Jallahquay revealed in an interview that the transfer is a preventive safety measure aimed toward monitoring cross-border actions and minimizing dangers of potential unrest or unlawful migration that might spill over from Côte d’Ivoire throughout its tense election interval.
He acknowledged, “We’re taking proactive steps to make sure that our borders stay peaceable and safe. Our officers are underneath strict instruction to observe all actions, coordinate with group leaders, and collaborate with sister safety companies to keep up legislation and order.”
He added that the LIS stays dedicated to upholding Liberia’s territorial integrity, emphasizing that the deployment just isn’t solely about controlling motion but additionally about strengthening border intelligence and cooperation between the 2 nations.
The LIS commander famous that the success of the operation relies upon closely on group engagement, notably in distant areas the place casual crossings are widespread. He stated that native residents have been sensitized to report any suspicious actions or overseas gatherings in the course of the election interval.
“Our officers are additionally working hand in hand with border chiefs and city elders. Group intelligence is essential to frame safety,” Commander Jallahquay emphasised.
Residents of a number of border communities in Maryland County have welcomed the LIS’s swift motion, describing it as a well timed and accountable step towards sustaining peace.
“We recognize this initiative,” stated Chief Thomas Wleh of Kablaken City. “When Côte d’Ivoire holds elections, we frequently expertise motion throughout the border. The presence of LIS officers will assist defend our communities and stop hassle.”
Equally, youth teams and native authorities praised the LIS for what they known as a “peace-first method”, noting that the presence of legislation enforcement on the borders additionally discourages smuggling and unlawful commerce.
Commander Jallahquay, who additionally heads the Maryland County Joint Safety, reaffirmed that the LIS is working carefully with different state safety companies, together with the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP), the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Company (LDEA), to make sure a unified safety presence alongside the borders.
He careworn that sturdy border administration just isn’t solely important for nationwide safety but additionally for regional stability and cooperation. “A peaceable Côte d’Ivoire means a peaceable Liberia,” he stated. “That’s why we’re leaving no room for complacency throughout this important time.”
The LIS deployment will stay in impact all through the Ivorian election interval and past, as authorities proceed to guage the safety scenario. Commander Jallahquay assured that immigration officers have been supplied with logistical assist and instructed to behave with self-discipline, neutrality, and professionalism.
“This operation is only security-focused,” he stated. “We aren’t interfering in Côte d’Ivoire’s political course of — our concern is to guard Liberia’s borders, individuals, and sovereignty.”
Native observers have described the LIS transfer as an indication of Liberia’s rising dedication to regional peacekeeping efforts and proactive border governance, notably within the wake of accelerating migration and safety challenges in West Africa.
