09/08/2026
100 Immigration Officers Graduate from Intensive Fi****ms Training at AFTC
CAREYSBURG, Montserrado County
7 August 2026
One hundred officers of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) have graduated from a three-week intensive fi****ms training program at the Armed Forces Training Command (AFTC), marking another step toward strengthening professionalism, operational readiness, and border security in Liberia.
The graduation ceremony, held at Camp Sandee Ware Military Barracks in VOA, Careysburg District, Montserrado County, brought together senior government officials, members of the National Legislature’s security committees, senior officers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), and officials of the Liberia Immigration Service.
Serving as keynote speaker, Retired Major General Daniel D. Ziankahn challenged the graduates to uphold discipline, professionalism, and integrity as they carry out their responsibilities in service to the country.
Maj. Gen. Ziankahn emphasized that the authority to carry a firearm comes with a serious responsibility, urging the officers to observe the fundamental principles of fi****ms safety and responsible weapons handling at all times.
“When you look at the right side of your shoulder, you are bearing the flag of Liberia,” Maj. Gen. Ziankahn told the graduates, reminding them that national service requires commitment to the country and its people.
He cautioned the officers against careless handling or unauthorized discharge of fi****ms and urged them to maintain discipline regardless of their operational environment.
For his part, AFTC Commandant Colonel Gwesa Kezelee G. reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to supporting the Liberia Immigration Service through specialized training programs.
Col. Gwesa said AFTC remains prepared to provide additional training in weapons handling, fi****ms safety, and battle drills to further strengthen the operational capabilities of LIS personnel and contribute to the security of Liberia’s borders.
“Your training does not end here. What you have learned must be reflected in your conduct, discipline, and professionalism. Always remember the weapons rules and apply them at all times,” Col. Gwesa emphasized.
LIS Commissioner General Hon. Elijah F. Rufus expressed appreciation to the Armed Forces of Liberia for providing the specialized training, describing the program as an important contribution to strengthening the professionalism and operational effectiveness of the Immigration Service.
Commissioner General Rufus also urged the graduates to remain politically neutral, stressing that partisan political involvement could undermine their professional responsibilities and weaken public confidence in the institution.
During the ceremony, three officers were recognized for outstanding performance.
1. David P. Kollie received the Expert Shooter Award,
2. Lawrence Hodges was recognized as Sharpshooter, while
3. Musu G. Kamara received the Marksman Award.
The top-performing officers were presented certificates in recognition of their exceptional marksmanship, discipline, and performance throughout the training.
The three-week course was conducted by instructors of the Armed Forces Training Command and covered fi****ms safety, responsible weapons handling, and practical training involving Norinco Pistols (NP-22), AK-47, AK-56, M-4 rifles, and battle drills.
The graduation underscores the growing collaboration between the AFL and LIS and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen professional capacity, operational readiness, border security, and national security in Liberia.
The Armed Forces Training Command remains committed to developing disciplined, professional, and capable security personnel through quality military and specialized security training in support of the Republic of Liberia.
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Armed Forces Training Command