GANTA, Nimba – As the drawdown of UNMIL Security in Liberia continues, the government has been looking to increase the strength of its security sector.

On Jan. 11, the deputy inspector of the Liberia National Police, Fajarie Beigo, disclosed that a batch of police officers in the Police Support Unit were deployed to Ganta to augment the strength of the police.

“Since 2012, as a matter of fact, deployment has been going on gradually and now in Ganta,” Beigo said.

The deputy inspector made the statement to Radio Kergheamahn reporter Presley Boozahn in an interview. He said now that UNMIL is withdrawing from Liberia, “the police are the ones charged with the responsibility of keeping the state secure.”

Beigo added that the deployment of officers to Ganta was necessary to maintain stability in the city. Further, he said the PSU officers would be deployed with the necessary logistics needed for timely and smooth discharge of duties.

“We have ensured that all necessary logistics are made available to enable the security adequately respond to situations. PSU patrol trucks and pickups are available,” Beigo added.

The Sept. 30 riots in Ganta drew Ganta’s leaders’ attention to the lack of unarmed police officers in Liberia’s second most populous city. Rep. Jeremiah Koung of Nimba’s recently made a statement calling on the government to boost the presence of asked police in the city.

Featured photo by UN Photo/Christopher Herwig