YEKEPA, Nimba County — ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) Chief Executive Officer, Michiel van der Merwe, has awarded US$500 to a security officer from contractor SEGAL for preventing the illicit removal of fuel from the company’s operations in Yekepa.
By D. Franklin Doloquee | [email protected]
The officer, identified as Junior Bull, was publicly recognized during a ceremony attended by security personnel and company executives for his actions on June 8, 2026, when he prevented a tanker from leaving the site with undeclared fuel.
Speaking during the ceremony, the ArcelorMittal Liberia CEO said Bull’s action protected jobs, strengthened investor confidence, and safeguarded benefits intended for surrounding communities.
Van der Merwe praised the professionalism and discipline of the security team, describing them as “the eyes and the ears of the company,” and emphasized that vigilance at gates and access points is critical to protecting people, equipment, and company supplies.
“Today’s recognition is a token of some good work that a lot of you have been doing,” the CEO told the assembled staff.
He said the company intends for the award to be the first of many and urged employees to take pride in their responsibilities.
“When everybody else is sleeping or doing other work, you are there. You are the first point of contact who can potentially save a life.”
According to the company, Aminata Gas Station, the fuel supplier contracted to deliver 8,000 gallons of fuel to ArcelorMittal’s operations, reported delivering only 6,000 gallons, leaving 2,000 gallons unaccounted for.
During routine access-control checks, Bull inspected a tanker leaving the site, questioned its contents, and refused to allow the fuel to be removed improperly.
Speaking to reporters, Bull explained that after requesting permission to inspect the shipment, he reviewed the waybill and escorted the delivery crew to the storage container for further verification.
“When I opened the container, one of the tankers had not been discharged. It was full,” he said.
The waybill indicated that the truck had delivered the full 8,000 gallons of fuel to ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations in Yekepa, suggesting that the consignment had been fully delivered according to documentation. However, Bull’s inspection revealed otherwise. Only 6,000 gallons had actually been discharged, while the truck attempted to leave with the remaining 2,000 gallons still on board. The discrepancy immediately raised alarm and was reported to Bull’s supervisor, prompting the filing of a formal investigation.
Bull added that the driver cooperated throughout the inspection and did not resist. Management subsequently involved the company’s technical team responsible for fuel offloading.
Several AML staff members commended Bull for his prompt reporting and professionalism.
This is not the first time Bull’s vigilance has been recognized. He recalled an earlier incident in which he confronted thieves, recovered stolen items, and reported the case to the authorities. For that action, he received two bags of rice.
Bull said he is motivated by duty rather than money. “Even though money is important, you should do your job well. Character builds a person and carries on to the next generation.” He thanked his colleagues and urged fellow security officers to remain vigilant.
During the honoring ceremony, CEO van der Merwe said theft of fuel and company supplies undermines ArcelorMittal Liberia’s ability to support communities, pay contractors, maintain roads, and attract future investment.
“If everybody knows they can come to us to steal fuel, nobody would want to invest,” he said, adding that the company also has obligations to the Government of Liberia and local communities.
Staff members from SEGAL Security and AML’s security management team joined the CEO in praising Bull’s integrity and encouraged supervisors to continue recognizing employees who demonstrate exemplary conduct.
The CEO also stressed that while outstanding performance will continue to be rewarded, misconduct will be dealt with accordingly.
Van der Merwe described the cash award as a token of appreciation and pledged that more recognitions would follow for employees who uphold the company’s values and standards.
“Do what Mr. Bull has done,” he told the security team. “There will be many more rewards to come.”
According to reports, ArcelorMittal Liberia has in recent years suffered repeated incidents of fuel theft at its operations, with company sources alleging that many of the cases have been orchestrated by an internal syndicate working in collaboration with external actors. The latest incident and Bull’s intervention have further reinforced the company’s efforts to tighten internal controls, strengthen security measures, and hold those responsible accountable as it seeks to curb persistent fuel theft across its operations.
