|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By: Emmanuel Tarpeh Quiah
As neighboring Côte d’Ivoire prepares for its general presidential and legislative elections, the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) has stepped up border security operations in Maryland County to ensure peace, safety, and stability along the Liberian–Ivorian frontier.
According to Commander Abdul Jallahquay Sr., head of the LIS in Maryland County and coordinator of the joint security, additional immigration officers have been strategically deployed across all major and unofficial border crossing points, including areas around Kablaken, Toe Town, Glofaken, and the Cavalla River axis.
Commander Jallahquay revealed in an interview that the move is a preventive security measure aimed at monitoring cross-border activities and minimizing risks of potential unrest or illegal migration that could spill over from Côte d’Ivoire during its tense election period.
He stated, “We are taking proactive steps to ensure that our borders remain peaceful and secure. Our officers are under strict instruction to monitor all movements, coordinate with community leaders, and collaborate with sister security agencies to maintain law and order.”
He added that the LIS remains committed to upholding Liberia’s territorial integrity, emphasizing that the deployment is not only about controlling movement but also about strengthening border intelligence and cooperation between the two nations.
The LIS commander noted that the success of the operation depends heavily on community engagement, particularly in remote areas where informal crossings are common. He said that local residents have been sensitized to report any suspicious movements or foreign gatherings during the election period.
“Our officers are also working hand in hand with border chiefs and town elders. Community intelligence is crucial to border security,” Commander Jallahquay emphasized.
Residents of several border communities in Maryland County have welcomed the LIS’s swift action, describing it as a timely and responsible step toward maintaining peace.
“We appreciate this initiative,” said Chief Thomas Wleh of Kablaken Town. “When Côte d’Ivoire holds elections, we often experience movement across the border. The presence of LIS officers will help protect our communities and prevent trouble.”
Similarly, youth groups and local authorities praised the LIS for what they called a “peace-first approach”, noting that the presence of law enforcement at the borders also discourages smuggling and illegal trade.
Commander Jallahquay, who also heads the Maryland County Joint Security, reaffirmed that the LIS is working closely with other state security agencies, including the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), to ensure a unified security presence along the borders.
He stressed that strong border management is not only vital for national security but also for regional stability and cooperation. “A peaceful Côte d’Ivoire means a peaceful Liberia,” he said. “That’s why we’re leaving no room for complacency during this critical time.”
The LIS deployment will remain in effect throughout the Ivorian election period and beyond, as authorities continue to evaluate the security situation. Commander Jallahquay assured that immigration officers have been provided with logistical support and instructed to act with discipline, neutrality, and professionalism.
“This operation is purely security-focused,” he said. “We are not interfering in Côte d’Ivoire’s political process — our concern is to protect Liberia’s borders, people, and sovereignty.”
Local observers have described the LIS move as a sign of Liberia’s growing commitment to regional peacekeeping efforts and proactive border governance, particularly in the wake of increasing migration and security challenges in West Africa.