The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) is set to graduate 500 officers this weekend at the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Training Academy in Lofa County.
The disclosure was made by Acting Commissioner General Elijah Rufus during the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) press briefing on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
The graduating class comprises 150 females and 350 males who underwent rigorous training to strengthen Liberia’s border and internal security.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of Liberia for its unwavering support.
All training materials and logistics were fully provided by the government,” Rufus stated.
The new officers will be deployed to critical border points and other strategic locations to enhance the country’s immigration system.
However, Rufus also acknowledged a tragic incident during training in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, where one officer passed away despite medical intervention.
The Acting Commissioner General further lauded the Civil Service Agency (CSA) for its support in transitioning 300 retiring officers and ensuring the new recruits are added to the government payroll.
He highlighted that the upcoming graduation symbolizes the government’s commitment to bolstering national security and border management.
“We want to appreciate our partners and medical team for their contributions to achieving this milestone. Their efforts have ensured we are recruiting the best to serve our country,” Rufus added.
In a related development, Colonel Elijah F. Rufus has been appointed Deputy Commissioner General for Administration (U-301), a key leadership position within LIS.
Colonel Rufus, one of the longest-serving officers in the agency, brings over 20 years of experience across various roles in the organization.
As Deputy Commissioner General, Rufus is tasked with assisting the Commissioner General’s office (U-300) in policy development, maintaining inter-agency relationships, and fostering diplomatic communications.
From 2010 to 2014, he served as a Special Assistant and Policy Advisor, supervising subordinate officers assigned to the Commissioner General’s office.
Rufus holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Public Administration and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the University of Liberia.
