MONROVIA – The Ministry of Justice has ordered the immediate cessation of all activities linked to a group identifying itself as the “National Fula Security of Liberia (NFSL),” declaring that the entity has no legal authorization to operate as a security outfit in the country.
In a strongly worded press release issued from its headquarters in Mamba Point, the Ministry said it had taken note of “alarming reports, images, and public communications circulating on social media” regarding the group’s purported recruitment and operational activities.
The Justice Ministry stated unequivocally that no permit, registration, license, or operational approval has been granted by the Government of Liberia for the creation or operation of any entity under the name “National Fula Security of Liberia” or any similar formation.
No Authorization, No Permit
Citing relevant public safety regulations, the Ministry emphasized that under Liberian law, the establishment or operation of any private security body, paramilitary structure, auxiliary force, or organized enforcement entity requires prior authorization through the Ministry of Justice’s Division of Public Safety.
Such authorization includes formal application, vetting, institutional assessment, security review, and compliance with tax and regulatory obligations.
According to the Ministry, no such process has been initiated, undertaken, or completed in relation to this group.
The Ministry further confirmed that individuals associated with the entity have neither obtained the requisite permits nor undergone governmental assessment.
As a result, the government has ordered the immediate cessation of all recruitment, organizational, operational, promotional, or mobilization activities connected to the group. Any continuation, the Ministry warned, would constitute a direct violation of Liberian law and would attract the full weight of criminal and administrative sanctions.
Public Concern and Political Reaction
The controversy gained traction after social media posts and opinion pieces raised concerns about the existence of what some described as a tribal-based security formation.
Public commentators have cautioned that in a country with a delicate post-war history, the emergence of unauthorized security structures—particularly along ethnic lines—could heighten tensions and undermine public confidence in state institutions.
Montserrado County Senator Abraham Dillon also weighed in, urging calm and legal clarity. He noted that under Liberian law, private security entities must obtain operational permits from the Ministry of Justice and renew them annually. Dillon indicated he would seek formal clarification from the Ministry and, if necessary, push for legislative oversight.
Fula Community Responds
Meanwhile, the Office of the National Fula Governor of Liberia issued a statement rejecting what it described as misinformation circulating on social media.
According to the Fula Governor’s Office, the “Fula Security of Liberia” is a voluntary community group established in 2011 to assist Muslim worshippers during Ramadan. The statement said members work in collaboration with the Liberia National Police to help ensure worshippers safely attend and depart night prayers.
The Office strongly denied claims that the group is a militia or terrorist organization, describing such allegations as unfounded and misleading. It reaffirmed the Fula community’s commitment to the rule of law and Liberia’s peace and stability.
Government Draws a Firm Line
In its release, the Ministry of Justice underscored that Liberia will not recognize or tolerate the formation of unauthorized security structures, particularly those organized along ethnic, tribal, communal, or sectarian lines.
National security and law enforcement, the Ministry emphasized, are constitutional responsibilities of legally established state institutions and cannot be delegated or assumed by private groups operating outside the framework of the law.
The Ministry has instructed relevant security and regulatory agencies to investigate the matter immediately and take appropriate enforcement action where violations are established.
As the debate continues, the government’s position remains clear: security in Liberia is the exclusive responsibility of the state, and any parallel structure—regardless of intent—must conform strictly to the law.
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