As The President Vows “To Escalate Liberia’s War Against Drugs”

PHOTO: Retired Major General Daniel Dee Zankahn, Jr.

Retired Major General Daniel Dee Zankahn, Jr. has been named by President Joeseph Nyuma Boakai to head Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to “escalate Liberia’s war against drugs,” an Executive Mansion press release said late last evening (Monday, August 10, 2026).

Zankahn has over the year proven his worth, when he and other young soldiers of the new restructured Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) led the charge in helping to build what has been popularly referred to as “a force for good,” both at the AFL high command and the Defense Ministry. He has been appointed with two other LDEA Deputy Directors General, pending Senate confirmat

The appointment of Aankahn, Boakai’s Military Advisor to head the LDEA followed “a review of the Ministry of Justice’s report, which did not establish any involvement by Mr. Biago in illegal narcotics trafficking,” although the Presidency said.

“However, the report identified ethical concerns that warrant further scrutiny to determine whether additional administrative or other appropriate actions may be necessary,” something the release said has led to the the suspension of Fitzgerald Biago.

BELOW IS FULL TEXT OF THE EXECUTIVE MANSION PRESS RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

President Boakai Appoints Retired General Daniel Dee Ziankahn, Jr. to Lead

LDEA, Vows to Escalate Liberia’s War Against Drugs

Monday, August 10, 2026

Monrovia, Liberia:- President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has appointed Major General (Retired) Daniel Dee Ziankahn, Jr. as Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), pending confirmation by the Liberian Senate. The action marks a decisive move that underscores his Administration’s resolve to intensify the fight against illicit drugs and transnational organized crime.

A distinguished military officer with decades of experience in national security, Major General (Retired) Ziankahn previously served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, where he led the transformation and professionalization of the country’s military following years of conflict.

Major General Ziankahn previously served as Minister of National Defense and, more recently, as Military Advisor to President Boakai, providing strategic counsel on national security matters.

His appointment reflects the President’s confidence in his leadership, integrity, and operational experience, and signals the Administration’s determination to elevate Liberia’s fight against drugs to a new level. In his new role, he will report directly to the President, in close consultation with the Minister of Justice.

The President has also appointed Ms. Precious Rue as Deputy Director General for Operations and Mr. Prince Mulbah as Deputy Director General for Administration of the LDEA, also pending Senate confirmation.

All three appointees have been directed to assume their duties with immediate effect in an acting capacity, pending legislative confirmation upon the Senate’s return later this year. Mr. Ernest Tarpeh, who served as Deputy LDEA Director General, returns to this previous assignment at the National Security Agency.

The appointments follow the submission of the Ministry of Justice’s investigative report to the President and form part of a broader strategy to strengthen Liberia’s institutional response to the growing threat posed by narcotics trafficking and related criminal activities.

President Boakai has repeatedly declared that narcotics trafficking represents one of the gravest threats to Liberia’s national security, public health, and future development. Under his leadership, the Government has adopted a zero tolerance policy toward drug trafficking, corruption, and organized crime. This policy has been accompanied by stronger enforcement actions, institutional reforms, and enhanced interagency cooperation.

In a related development, President Boakai has indefinitely suspended former LDEA Officer in Charge Fitzgerald Biago from the Liberia National Police for ethical transgressions and has ordered that he be subjected to a more detailed investigation.

The President’s decision follows a review of the Ministry of Justice’s report, which did not establish any involvement by Mr. Biago in illegal narcotics trafficking.

However, the report identified ethical concerns that warrant further scrutiny to determine whether additional administrative or other appropriate actions may be necessary.

Following a marathon National Security Council meeting this evening, President Boakai reaffirmed that his Administration remains committed to ensuring that all allegations of misconduct are addressed fairly, professionally, and in accordance with due process. He emphasized that while no individual will be condemned without evidence, no public official will be exempt from accountability where questions of integrity arise.

The President called on the newly appointed leadership of the LDEA to work closely with the Joint Security, the Ministry of Justice, and international partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks, strengthen border security, enhance intelligence and enforcement capabilities, and protect Liberia’s youth and communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.

“Our fight against drugs is a fight for the future of Liberia,” the President declared, stressing, “We will continue to strengthen our institutions, hold public officials to the highest ethical standards, and pursue those who seek to poison our communities. There will be no safe haven for drug traffickers or those who aid and abet them.”