…Border Security Overhaul at Senate Hearing.
By Amos Harris
Appearing before the Senate Committee on Defense, Security, Intelligence, and Veterans Affairs, chaired by Lofa County Senator Momo T. Cyrus, the Commissioner General-designate of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Elijah Rufus, has vowed to initiate comprehensive reforms aimed at transforming the agency into a transparent, intelligence-driven institution.
With profound humility and gratitude, the nominee expressed his appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for the nomination. He outlined a transformative vision centered on bolstering national security, facilitating legal migration, and aligning the LIS with international best practices.
Commissioner General-designate Rufus underscored the pivotal role of the LIS in safeguarding Liberia’s borders and supporting national development. He announced forthcoming plans to modernize border operations through the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, including biometric identification systems and closed-circuit television (CCTV) at key entry points. This technological upgrade will be implemented under a zero-investment model established through a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with a Thailand-based company.
Rufus emphasized the critical importance of close collaboration with national security forces, including the Armed Forces of Liberia, and regional partners to effectively combat illegal entry and cross-border criminal activities.
Addressing the existing infrastructural challenges, the nominee, who currently serves as Acting Commissioner General, unveiled plans for the construction of residential quarters for LIS officers nationwide. He disclosed that productive discussions regarding land allocation to support this initiative have already been held with county superintendents and the Liberia Land Authority.
Rufus also highlighted ongoing intelligence efforts focused on tracking undocumented migrants in border counties such as Bong, Nimba, and Grand Gedeh, pledging to work in close coordination with local authorities to address this significant security concern.
Institutional capacity building featured prominently in his reform agenda, encompassing professional training, recruitment, and the promotion of ethical leadership within the service. Rufus proposed revitalizing the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Immigration Training Academy in Lofa County as a fundamental element in developing a skilled and disciplined immigration workforce.
On the international stage, the Commissioner General-designate committed to strengthening ties with ECOWAS, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), INTERPOL, and other crucial partners to secure technical support and engage in joint border security initiatives.
Rufus assured the Senate of his dedication to restoring public trust in the LIS through enhanced service delivery, active citizen engagement, and robust accountability measures, including the establishment of a comprehensive complaint and feedback system and nationwide public awareness campaigns.
Urging the Senate to confirm his nomination, Rufus pledged to lead the LIS with unwavering integrity, transforming it into a respected institution dedicated to safeguarding Liberia’s borders while simultaneously promoting legal, development-oriented migration.