Liberia: Vice President Koung Denies Any Connection to Maximum Protection Security Service

Sanniquellie City — Reports indicate that Maximum Protection Security Service, known as MAX-PRO, is set to take over security duties from SEGAL at ArcelorMittal Liberia properties, a move linked to Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung.

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***By Franklin Doloquee ***

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SEGAL has long provided security services for the company’s operations, especially in Nimba County.

Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of SEGAL, has been closely associated with the company’s ArcelorMittal contract over the years.

The development raises fresh questions about business interests, political influence and the future of private security arrangements around the mining concession .

ArcelorMittal Liberia remains one of the country’s most significant concession operators, with its security and labour arrangements often drawing public and political attention .

As of now, the reported transition is being watched closely for its potential impact on jobs, operations and local stakeholders.

Questions of conflict of interest have arisen after reports that SEGAL Security, owned by Senator Cyrus, is being replaced at ArcelorMittal Liberia facilities in Grand Bassa and Yekepa by a new private firm, Maximum Protection (MAX‑PRO), widely linked by residents to Vice President Koung of Nimba County.

Sources say more than 100 SEGAL employees at ArcelorMittal sites have been affected by the transition. Workers reached by FrontPage Africa(FPA) said SEGAL Management had not provided clear information about their status or future employment.

MAX‑PRO is reportedly underway in Sanniquellie City, Nimba County where large numbers of residents have gathered. Some affected SEGAL employees are seeking work with Maximum Protection Security Service MAX‑PRO.

Community callers on local radio stations in Ganta voiced concern and frustration about perceived favoritism and limited job opportunities for the county’s different clans.

The replacement of SEGAL, a security firm associated with Senator Cyrus, whose home county is Lofa with MAX‑PRO, believed by many residents to be connected to Vice President Koung, has prompted accusations of a conflict of interest.

Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. previously told journalists that it is inappropriate for a sitting senator to operate a private security company.

Senator Cyrus did not response to requests for comment. Maximum Protection Security Service MAX‑PRO Director Abraham Kettor declined to speak and refused to provide contact details for the company owners.

Critics say the situation raises ethical concerns because both a senior legislator and the vice president are linked, directly or indirectly according to local opinion, to private security firms competing for public contracts — a dynamic that could create conflicts between public duties and private interests.

Local callers also accused the national government of uneven distribution of jobs and appointments, noting that several key ministerial and senior positions are held by officials from Lofa County.

They said this perceived concentration of power contributes to tensions over local hiring and contract awards. Vice President Koung says he has no link to security firm MAX PRO.

Vice President Koung has denied any connection to Maximum Protection Security Service (MAX PRO), saying he was unaware of the company and has not authorized any association with it.

Speaking to FPA, Vice President Koung said he has “no knowledge” of the newly formed security firm and lamented reports linking him to the outfit.

He emphasized that he has not applied for membership, given approval or endorsed the company in any way. Vice President Koung urged the public and media to verify reports before drawing conclusions and called on the firm’s representatives to clarify their affiliations. He also encouraged authorities to investigate any claims suggesting his involvement with the security service.