BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa – SEGAL, the private security firm guarding ArcelorMittal’s facilities, has trained 50 officers to provide security at sea and airports in Liberia.

The Liberian firm hired the West Africa Maritime Security Consultancy to conduct training according to International Ship and Port Facility Security standards. The training equips the officers to better detect security threats and employ preventive measures aboard ships or at port facilities.

There are currently three ports that are compliant with the International Ship and Port Facility Security code: the Freeport of Monrovia, the Port of Buchanan, and the Port of Harper.

Maritime security consultant and lead trainer Ernest Omaboe said the 50 officers are now equipped to provide adequate protection within the ArcelorMittal port facility in conjunction with national security.

“It is an international requirement for persons with security responsibilities to be trained in ISPS security to enable them to respond in specific standard in case of threats against the facility,” Omaboe told journalists.

SEGAL’s chief executive officer, Momo T. Cyrus, said he was overwhelmed with the training and that it would give his firm an added advantage.

“Some of those security officers have spent two years with SEGAL,” he said. “We are committed to empowering them through these kinds of training for future opportunities and to also help national security.”

Cyrus said the training cost a little over US$10,000. He noted that private security firms should be seen as strategic partners by the government as they help the state security agencies to protect the country, given that state security cannot be everywhere due to limited resources.

“It is not only about SEGAL, but also Liberia as a whole. Those empowered are Liberians; their employment is reducing poverty and the economy has been stimulated,” he added.

Featured photo by Sampson David