A delegation of students from the Nigerian Armed Forces Command and Staff College visited the headquarters of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) on November 25, 2025. This visit was part of a research exercise focused on “Harnessing Community-Led Security for Enhanced National Security.” The purpose of the visit was to gather firsthand information about Liberia’s border management system. The delegation received a comprehensive presentation from Controller Chea Nelson, the Chief of Office Staff in the Office of the Commissioner General.
Nelson briefed the delegation on the core values and responsibilities of the LIS, which include regulating the entry and exit of individuals, supporting national revenue collection, and safeguarding border integrity while adhering to Liberia’s Alien and Nationality Law. He pointed out that despite these important responsibilities, the LIS faces significant challenges due to Liberia’s porous land and sea borders, along with limited resources to monitor all crossing points. Nelson indicated that regular migrants often exploit these vulnerabilities, making community involvement crucial for effective border management.
With 176 border points in total, only 46 are manned, which highlights the need for community-led security initiatives as a vital complement to traditional border enforcement strategies. LIS Commissioner General Elijah Rufus welcomed the delegation and reinforced the Service’s commitment to collaborating with regional institutions for the benefit of Liberia and West Africa. Brigadier General E.A. Orakwe, the head of the delegation, expressed gratitude to the LIS leadership for the engagement, noting that the interaction significantly enriched the students’ research.
