LIS Acting Commissioner Highlights Border Security Reforms

By Jamesetta D Williams

MONROVIA-OCTOBER 28, 2025: The Acting Commissioner General and Deputy Commissioner General for Operations of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Atty. A. Kundukai Jeleiba has outlined major institutional reforms and modernization efforts aimed at strengthening Liberia’s border management and national security systems.

Speaking at the regular press briefing of the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) in Monrovia, Atty. Jeleiba reaffirmed the LIS’s commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and service excellence under the national security mandate of the government.

“It is a pleasure to address you today on behalf of the Liberia Immigration Service as we continue to strengthen our efforts in protecting the borders and ensuring national security,” he stated.

Jeleiba disclosed that the LIS has deployed 150 officers across several border points under Operation Watchtower, a proactive post-election initiative intended to secure Liberia’s territorial integrity, curb cross-border crimes, and promote peace within border communities.

To further improve the welfare and operational efficiency of officers, he announced that the LIS has begun securing land in every county for the construction of residential quarters for border personnel.

“We extend appreciation to local authorities for their cooperation in this initiative, which will improve officers’ living conditions, boost morale, and strengthen our presence in remote border areas,” Jeleiba said.

On migration and documentation, Jeleiba revealed that the LIS has completed the Volcano Beach Registration and Enrollment Exercise, enrolling approximately 58,600 individuals.

He said ongoing discussions with the National Identification Registry (NIR) and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) aim to ensure the regularization of those enrolled leading to the issuance of resident permits and special resident identification cards.

“This collaboration will also establish a special depository for revenue collection from these services,” he noted.

Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to neutrality, Jeleiba stressed that the LIS maintains a zero-tolerance policy against political involvement by officers.

“As a professional law enforcement institution, we remain committed to neutrality, discipline, and integrity. Any officer found in violation of this directive will face disciplinary action,” he cautioned.

The LIS Acting Commissioner General also announced the completion of the LIS Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2030), which is awaiting validation and official launch. The plan prioritizes policy reform, financial discipline, and institutional modernization, serving as a roadmap for the Service’s transformation over the next five years.

In pursuit of modernization, Jeleiba disclosed that the LIS signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Thai technology firm in December 2024. The partnership seeks to introduce a digital arrival system at the Roberts International Airport and drone technology for border surveillance.

“These innovations will enhance our border monitoring capacity and data-driven decision-making,” he said.

Three LIS officers are set to depart for South Africa for a one-month training to strengthen their capacity in managing the new technologies. Additionally, 150 officers have been vetted and enrolled for domestic training in three batches, with the first already completed.

The LIS has also worked with the National Security Agency (NSA) to train four intelligence officers in intelligence gathering, analysis, operational security, and report writing.

Atty. Jeleiba further disclosed that the LIS is reviewing the Liberia–Barbados Bilateral Agreement, which covers cooperation in agriculture, trade, political relations, and visa waivers, to align future collaboration with Liberia’s migration and development goals.

Atty. Jeleiba also disclosed that LIS officers recently completed a two-week online capacity-building program under the African Union, with subsequent batches scheduled for participation. The LIS inherited an existing contract with Contour Global, which it must honor until reviewed or concluded.

LIS works with Status Solutions on visas-on-arrival and re-entry visas, while diplomatic visas are handled directly by the Service.

Unauthorized Document Processing: He warned the public against processing LIS documents outside official channels, saying such activities are “unauthorized and illegal.”

Jeleiba said the Service is enrolling and regularizing the status of ECOWAS nationals entering under the Free Movement Protocol. LIS is integrating drone technology to monitor porous borders as part of its modernization plan.

He emphasized that border security operations are conducted jointly with other agencies such as the Liberia National Police and Drug Enforcement Agency.

On recruitment plan, disclosed that over 500 vetted candidates are on standby, pending budget approval for training and deployment of an additional 350–500 new officers, who will undergo full medical and background screening.

In his closing remarks, Atty. Jeleiba thanked the media and national stakeholders for their continued interest and partnership. “We remain committed to transparency, professionalism, and the protection of Liberia’s borders in line with our national security mandate,” he concluded.