By By: The People News
Monrovia, Liberia — The Liberia National Police (LNP) has moved to clarify circulating reports and videos showing a group calling itself the “National Fula Security of Liberia”, following rising public concerns over the formation of an ethnic-based security organization.
In an official statement, DCP Cecelia G. Clarke, the LNP’s spokesperson, emphasized that the police have no formal engagement or recognition of the group and had no prior knowledge of its activities until the video surfaced on social media.
“At no time has the institution held meetings with this group, nor does the LNP recognize or have knowledge of its existence prior to the appearance of this video,” Clarke said, reassuring the public that investigations are underway.
The video, which shows individuals in security-style uniforms claiming to operate under an ethnic banner, immediately sparked public debate about the potential for private ethnic militias in Liberia. Citizens expressed concern that the emergence of such a group could undermine national security and fuel ethnic tensions in an already diverse society.
Civil society leaders and some political analysts have warned that the formation of self-styled security groups, especially along ethnic lines, risks creating parallel authorities and complicating efforts by the state to maintain law and order.
According to the LNP statement, the matter has been referred to the Public Safety Division of the Ministry of Justice, which is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the video. The police pledged to provide updates as the review progresses.
“We encourage all citizens to remain calm and continue cooperating with the Liberia National Police by reporting any suspicious activities that may undermine community safety,” Clarke added.
Liberia has a history of caution around the establishment of private security outfits, particularly those aligned with specific ethnic communities. The public concern stems from fears that such groups could operate outside the law, create tension between communities, and interfere with the role of official security forces in maintaining peace.
While the intentions of the individuals in the video remain unclear, the LNP’s swift statement underscores the government’s commitment to preventing unauthorized militias and preserving public order.
As the nation awaits further clarification from the Ministry of Justice, authorities are urging citizens to rely solely on recognized law enforcement agencies for security matters.
