The NEWS (Monrovia)
Benjamin B. Sworh
28 April 2008
Monrovia — The Liberian government says it has ordered the police to be rearmed to contain the rising wave of arm robbery in the country.
The Chairman of the Joint Security Commission Justice Minister Philip A. Z. Banks told reporters at a news conference last week that the police would be rearmed to patrol every street corner and communities 24 hours to protect peaceful citizens who have been terrorized by armed men during the past few days.
Cllr. Banks who is also Attorney General of Liberia made the disclosure when he officially launched "Operation Thunder Storm" last Saturday.
"Our security forces will protect lives and property at all cost; we will go after the criminals in their hide-outs," he said.
He noted that the operation would be carried out by the Liberia National Police and other state security forces backed by UNMIL.
Minister Banks pointed out that "operation thunder storm" is intended to weed out criminals from every street corners and communities in Monrovia and its environs.
Flanked by members of the Joint Security Commission, Banks said government has put into place proper mechanism to deal with criminals.
He also indicated that the Justice Ministry would shortly submit documents to the lawmakers to amend some portions of the criminal law that will make armed robbery an unbailalbe offense.
He warned against mob violence and urged citizens to follow the law.
The occasion was attended by Police Director Beatrice Munah Sieh, BIN boss Chris Massaquoi, NSA officials including the rejected Minister of National Security, Anthony Kromah.
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