It has been disclosed that the Liberia National Police (LNP) will re-deploy its officers on the Bushrod Island this Friday.

The decision to allow the LNP to re-deploy its officers in the area has come following a meeting between authorities of the LNP and officials of the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), which was organized by ECOMIL Force Commander Brig. Gen Festus Okonkwo.

Relative to the atmosphere of the meeting, Police Director Col. Paul E. Mulbah told The INQUIRER that their meeting with LURD was cordial, frank and candid.

Col. Mulbah said after a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that officers of the LNP will be deployed from Vai Town to the St. Paul Bridge.

However, the LNP boss said, to avoid problem in the discharge of his men’s duties, LURD authorities suggested that they (LURD) assign men to serve as liaison officers at the Zone and police depots in the area. He added that the LNP agreed to that suggestion.

Col. Mulbah said ECOMIL officers will also be assigned at the zone and depots on Bushrod Island, and they will conduct joint patrol in the area.

The meeting which gave rise to the re-deployment of police officers on the Bushrod Island came following a trip to Tubmanburg, Bomi County, by the ECOMIL Force Commander when the issue of having civil authority was raised.

The operation of the LNP and its officers ‘disappeared’ on the Island as a result of the recent fighting between forces of LURD and the Government of Liberia (GOL).

LURD officials who attended the Monday meeting held at the LIFZA compound on the Bushrod Island were Joe Gbala, Secretary General; Mr. Varfley Dorley, Advisor on International Affairs; LURD’s Chief of Staff, Director of Staff, LURD General Philip Kamara and other officials of the group.

Police Director Mulbah was also accompanied to the meeting by Assistant Director for Operation Col. Bennie Warner, Operation Assistant to the Police Director Major Yeke Kolubah, the Police Chief of Patrol, Inspector Bass, the Chief of the Special Operation Department and the Police’s Chief Investigator Col. Perkins.