By Emmanuel Kangar
ZOWEINTA, BONG COUNTY – In a significant milestone, 328 personnel from the Security Expert Guard Agency of Liberia (SEGAL) have successfully completed a month-long professional security training program focused on the protection of ArcelorMittal’s (AML) Rail Line Vital Installations. This training, conducted in Zoweinta, Bong County, by the Liberia National Police (LNP) Training Academy, marked a vital step toward enhancing the security of AML’s properties and reinforcing the capabilities of Liberia’s private security sector.
The month-long training program was designed specifically to equip SEGAL personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure the safety and security of AML’s infrastructure, particularly the critical installations along the rail line. The training, which took place in the heart of Bong County, emphasized vital security practices aimed at safeguarding both the company’s assets and the broader surrounding community.
During the graduation ceremony, which took place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, SEGAL’s Acting Human Resource Manager, Abraham Deleh-Wala, expressed gratitude to the Liberia National Police and the trainees for their dedication and commitment throughout the training period. Deleh-Wala emphasized SEGAL’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and properties across Liberia, underscoring the company’s leadership in the private security industry. He also praised the collaborative effort with the LNP, noting the importance of such training in equipping security personnel with the skills needed to protect vital national infrastructure.
SEGAL, founded by Lofa County’s Senator, Honorable Momo Cyrus, is one of the largest and most reputable security firms in Liberia. The company’s role in providing specialized security services is crucial, especially as Liberia continues to face security challenges in certain regions. Deleh-Wala’s remarks reflected the firm’s commitment not only to protecting assets but also to contributing to national security efforts through training and professionalism.
In his address, Zest Massalay, Head of AML’s Security Department, congratulated the graduates, urging them to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the training to make a lasting impact in their respective workplaces. Massalay emphasized that the acquired skills were not just for securing installations but could serve as a platform for personal growth and career advancement. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a high standard of professionalism and dedication, both in the field and within the work environment, to foster a productive and secure atmosphere.
Magistrate Sekou Trawally of Bong County also addressed the graduates, encouraging them to view themselves as problem solvers. He stressed the importance of taking proactive steps in addressing security concerns and ensuring the safety of their communities. His words served as a reminder that effective security goes beyond merely responding to threats -it is about preventing potential issues and creating solutions before they arise.
Bong County’s Police Commander, Fasu Sheriff, took the opportunity to commend SEGAL for becoming the first private security firm in the county to be trained by the Liberia National Police Training Academy School. Sheriff pointed out that the presence of national security forces in Zoweinta and its surrounding areas has been minimal, which makes SEGAL’s presence even more significant. The trained SEGAL security officers, he noted, are expected to play a pivotal role in supporting state security and contributing to the safety and stability of the region.
The graduation ceremony, attended by numerous stakeholders from Bong and Nimba Counties, was a colorful occasion marked by speeches from local leaders, community heads, and law enforcement officials. Among the attendees were City Mayor, Town Chiefs, women leaders, police heads, and members of the media, all of whom celebrated the achievements of the new graduates and acknowledged the vital role of SEGAL in enhancing regional security.
The event was also notable as the eighth graduation exercise for SEGAL, further cementing the firm’s position as a leader in the field of private security in Liberia. With a total of 328 guard personnel graduating from the LNP Academy, SEGAL’s commitment to professional development and national security continues to grow, reinforcing its reputation as a key player in Liberia’s security landscape.
The successful completion of this training program marks a significant step forward in the strengthening of Liberia’s security infrastructure, both in the private sector and in collaboration with national law enforcement agencies. As Liberia’s security environment continues to evolve, the role of firms like SEGAL will be crucial in maintaining peace and stability across the country.
