—Highlights Security and Law Enforcement
IPNEWS: A high-level delegation from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), led by Christen Schill, visited the Liberia National Police (LNP) headquarters Thursday, January 22, 2026.
FBI Delegation held High-Level Security Talks with LNP at Police Headquarters
A three-member delegation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), led by Christen Schil.
The delegation held a closed-door meeting with the Inspector General of Police, during which both sides engaged in bilateral discussions on a range of critical security issues facing Liberia and the wider region. Central to the talks were strategies to combat transnational criminal networks, address financial and cyber-related crimes, and strengthen institutional capacity within the Liberia National Police.
According to security sources, the engagement emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, technical cooperation, and sustained training as tools for confronting increasingly sophisticated criminal activities that often transcend national borders. The FBI delegation reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Liberia’s law enforcement institutions through collaboration and professional exchanges.
For the LNP, the meeting provided an opportunity to highlight existing challenges, capacity gaps, and priority areas where international support could enhance operational effectiveness. The Inspector General of Police underscored the importance of partnerships with experienced global law enforcement agencies in strengthening investigative capabilities and maintaining public safety.
The visit is viewed as part of ongoing cooperation between Liberia and the United States aimed at reinforcing security sector reform, improving crime prevention, and building resilient institutions capable of responding to emerging threats.
Officials on both sides described the discussions as productive and expressed optimism that the engagement would translate into concrete actions to deepen collaboration in the fight against organized and financial crime.
Implications for the FBI VISIT
Strengthening Security Cooperation
The visit is part of ongoing bilateral security cooperation between the U.S. and Liberia. It underscores a commitment to enhancing regional and national security frameworks through continued international partnership.
Targeting Transnational and Financial Crimes
The discussions specifically focused on collaborative efforts to combat: Joint strategies to address organized crime crossing national borders.
Cooperation in tackling money laundering and digital-related offenses.
Establishing pathways for the exchange of intelligence to better track global criminal activities.
Capacity Building and Technical Support
The FBI delegation’s engagement is expected to lead to expanded support for the LNP in several areas:
Improving the professional standards and operational effectiveness of Liberian officers.
Providing technical resources and expertise to boost the LNP’s ability to investigate complex cases.
This visit comes as the LNP seeks an additional $12 million in the 2026 budget to address critical manpower shortages and training needs.
Support for the Rule of Law
This visit aligns with broader U.S. efforts to support Liberia’s justice sector, including:
Previous U.S. justice delegations, which included the FBI, have actively supported Liberia’s commitment to establishing a court for accountability regarding past atrocities.
Reinforcing the transition of the LNP into an institution shaped by principles and accountability rather than fear.
