Defense Minister Brownie J. Samukai recently spoke tough when he appeared on an extended version of Truth FM’s breakfast show, or the TBS.

	• Minister Samukai

Among many things, he condemned the growing waves of armed robberies and other forms of criminalities across the city, indicating that the government is not taking the issue lying down.

Mr. Samukai who appeared on the show, hours after the government of Liberian issued an official statement on the security situation, warned against such “deadly act” perpetrated by unidentified individuals.

Speaking at the top of his voice, an indication that he is ready to assist the joint security in caring out the recently launched Operation “Disrupt and Dismantle,” Minister Samukai said this is the time for the government to take action against hooligans in the society.

Our reporter, who monitored the interaction between the Minister and Truth FM reporters, said his posture suggests that the government is likely to succeed in curbing the unwarranted act of criminality.

At the same time, the Liberian Defense minister used the occasion to appeal to the National Legislature to pass the Armed Robbery Bill which was sent there for its concurrence by the Lower House.

However, apparently based on the appeal of Minister Samukai, the Senate yesterday moved to pass the bill. It will be sent to the president for signature, following which it would be printed into hand bill.

The bill seeks to make armed robbery a non-billable offence. According to him, when the bill is passed, it will help minimize crime and deter others from engaging into criminal acts.

Apart from that, Minister Samukai also said the military would support, in a special way, to save life and property. Responding to questions from some callers, especially the arrest and subsequent release of suspected armed robbers, he iterated “Once the LNP institutes an arrest and forward suspects to court, it has no jurisdiction over the court”.

Observers say his expression vindicates the police from condemnation that it is responsible, to some extent, for the increase in armed robberies and other crimes because it is not using its powers.

Meanwhile, Minister Samukai called on armed robbers and Liberians having illegal guns to turn them over to the government. He said the government would not condone any illegal armed possession because it is against the law.

Minister Samukai, former Director of the Liberia National Police (LNP), during the Sawyer-led Interim administration called all Liberians to support the effort of the police in every way by reporting any armed robbery incidents in their communities.

He said the public and the police need each other to have a secure environment where stability and peace will prevail.  

Ex-AFL Soldiers Arrested With 63 Keys
By George J. Borteh

Police authority in Monrovia have disclosed the arrest of two persons believed to be former soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) with 63 master keys which they at night to open doors of residents and business centers.

Speaking at a news conference Wednesday at the Headquarters of the LNP, the Inspector General of Police Col. Beatrice M. Sieh said the ex-AFL soldiers were arrested Tuesday morning while attempting to open some business centers in Monrovia.

The arrested ex- AFL soldiers who were identified as Harris Kollie and Arthur Mason told the Analyst that they allegedly joined the Armed Forces of Liberia in the 80s and the 90s.

The Police IGP told reporters that the suspects were arrested before for similar act and turned over to the jurisdiction of the court, but were surprisingly out again.

She also said about 4 alleged armed robbers have been arrested and according to her, they will be charged and then forwarded to court for further prosecution under the criminal procedures law of Liberia.

Meanwhile, the Liberia National Police says it has received one lot of free land for the construction of a sub police station in the Thinker Village Community in Paynesville.

According to a release, the land was given to the LNP by the chief Administrator of Korpion Jimmy Intestate Estate Deacon, Jerry V. Gededeh, Sr. and Co-Administrator Jefferson Z. Zeogbeh, to complimentarily foster government efforts in the provision of security protection and its desire to protect land offered government for developmental purposes and other facilities.

A LNP release quotes the Korpion family as saying the memorandum of Understanding is the Liberian government, through [the Liberian National police, the ministry of Justice, to construct a sub police station on the tracked land provided by them to maintain peace or provide security protection to the community and its environs.

In a related development, the LNP Authority is calling on well meaning Liberians to emulate the good example of Mr. Jerry V. Geedeh, Sr. and Jefferson Z. Zeagbeh to build a good Liberian society.