Monrovia – The Chief Executive Officer of the Security Expert Guard Agency of Liberia (SEAGAL), Momo T. Cyrus has called on the Liberian Government to allow private security agencies to carry arms.
However, he suggested that before being qualified to carry arms, the government and private security firms should from a genuine partnership where private security firms will be trained and vetted properly by the government.
Speaking on Friday, July 19 at the graduation and certification exercise of several security personnel of SEAGAL following basic Aviation Security training, Mr. Cyrus explained that when this happens, it will ease the burden of the Liberia National Police (LNP) from serving as security guards at concession companies and other private and public institutions.
“There is a need for a strong collaboration between the private security entities and the national Government. The reason is that the private security is in large number. This collaboration should take place so that government will reduce the stress on the police force in terms of maintaining the peace and law and order in this country,” the SEAGAL boss suggested.
He rubbished the notion that Liberia is still a fragile state, adding like most of the countries in the sub-region, Liberia is a developing country and one of the most peaceful countries in the world.
“There has been this notion that Liberia is not peaceful, not safe, and is fragile. Liberia is not fragile. We are a developing country. Liberia of recent is one of the most peaceful nations. So, if private security can have arms in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ivory Coast and Guinea, then Liberia can make it. We have had three successive elections. Why are we still calling ourselves fragile? We are not fragile. We are developing,” he averred.
Speaking further, he called on the government to outsource the security operations at the various airports to private security firms who have got the knowledge and technical knowhow in providing security airports.
The decision, according to him, will reduce overall cost at various airport and promote excellence and effective security management as the private firms will be obliged to live up to the terms and conditions of their contract.
In response, the Assistant Minister for Administration and Public Safety at the Ministry of Justice, Atty. Edrick F. Noah thanked SEAGAL and noted that he will deliver the recommendation to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Liberia for official response.
Mr. Noah noted that that there have been cordial relationship between the government and the private security sector and stress the importance of maintaining the relationship.
Meanwhile, serving as Guest speaker of the program, the Aviation Security (AVESEC) Manager of Liberia Civil Aviation Authority, Nuah E. Padmore lauded SEAGAL for providing the opportunity for its security officers.
According to Mr. Padmore, the training acquired – ‘Aviation Security, Basic AVSEC STP 123 Course’ is a standard international recommended practice that qualifies security firms and agencies to man airport.
He noted that Liberia is a founding member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) which was established in 1944.
However, due to the civil war, the country has been lacking behind, but added that the training can serve as a major step in putting Liberia back on the right track.
He expressed hope that with the dedication of the newly constructed terminal at the Robert International Airport, the government will see reason to form a partnership with SEAGAL to outsource some security responsibilities to the private firm.
Meanwhile, the security personnel were trained by a Certified Inspector and Examiner of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Samson Udom Essien in basic aspects of Civil Aviation security including, understanding the nature and threat to aviation, understanding civil aviation from national, regional and international perspectives, communication and cooperation with other airport agencies and the ability to recognize restricted articles including weapons and explosive devices.
SEAGAL is one of Liberia largest and well-equipped security firms. It has been recognized as the best private security firms on several occasions.