Monrovia — After receiving a consignment of fire arms from the Nigerian government, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has finally re-armed its officers.

The handover, which took place last Friday at the Police Headquarters on Capital Hill, brought together several international partners including the head of UNMIL, Ambassador Alan Doss, and US Ambassador to Liberia, Donald Booth

Others included UN Police Commissioner Mohammed Alhassan and Nigeria Ambassador, Eineje Onobu. Several officials of the Liberian government including representatives from Foreign Affairs and Justice Ministries, amongst others, also attended the ceremony.

Delivering the arms to Liberia's Foreign Affairs Minister, George Wallace, Amb. Onobu said the ceremony marked another milestone in his country's engagement with Liberia.

He said the gesture is part of Nigeria's contribution to the on going reforms in the security sector of the country. "The assistance will give substance to and bolster these critical and much needed reforms," said the Nigerian envoy.

Amb. Onobu noted that arms would help in capacitating the LNP to be more pro-active and functional as well as maintain law and order all over Liberia.

He cautioned authorities of the LNP to take every measure to ensure that the weapons are used judiciously and strictly in accordance with established rules.

Not leaving out the UN Security Council Resolution 1683, Amb. Onobu stressed that fire arms provided by his country should be used and maintained in strict compliance with the UN Resolution, passed on the 13th of June 2006.

The resolution amended UN arms embargo on Liberia making it possible for the Nigerian government to provide the assistance for the LNP. He said the action of the Security Council reconfirmed the desire of the international community and Liberia's partners to work for stability and improve rule of law in the society.

He said strengthening and capacitating the Liberian Police and allied rule of law institutions would further advance the on going peace process in the country.

Receiving the arms on behalf of the government, Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. George Wallace, thanked the Nigerian government and promised that the weapons would be used to protect the Liberian people as well as foreign residents rather than violating their rights.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Coordinator of UN Operations in Liberia, Amb. Alan Doss said the donation is an expression of confidence by the Security Council in the new Liberia.

Amb. Doss emphasized that the Security Council sanctions committee has asked the government of Liberia to use to arms to uphold the law than to break it. He called on authorities of the LNP to mark the weapons and ensure only trained and vetted members of LNP use them.

"I urged all those who will use the weapons to see it as an instrument of deterrence to and a potential law breakers or maintaining law and order," he noted.

He also warned that the arms should not become instrument of abuse, violation of human rights or for personal enrichment. Amb. Doss then assured Liberians of UNMIL continued assistance to the country with the necessary technical assistance to ensure that the police carry on its obligation to the Liberian people.

Earlier, Police Inspector General, Col. Beatrice Sieh, thanked the Nigerian government for the fire arms and promised that said weapons will be used for the intended purpose.