Sen. Momo Cyrus Raises Red Flag Over Secret Mining, Aircraft Operations in Lofa

VOINJAMA, LOFA COUNTY: Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus has raised serious concerns over alleged illegal mining activities in remote forests, and secret nighttime operations of aircraft landing at the Tennebu Airstrip in Voinjama, Lofa County.

Senator Cyrus alarmed that he has received intelligence that these actions are happening under unclear circumstances. The Lofa County Senator stated that the reported nighttime landings of aircraft and the secret logging operations taking place in parts of the county are in grave violation of aviation and environmental regulations.

Speaking recently, the Lawmaker disclosed that the reported flights have not followed clear aviation schedules and have been allegedly occurring without the visible presence or oversight of standard aviation, immigration, or security authorities.

He believes that the aircraft movements may be linked to foreign nationals operating in parts of Lofa County. Senator Cyrus cautioned that the circumstances surrounding the reported landings of aircraft in the area for unknown reasons could spark tension and erode trust in state institutions.

Additionally, the Senate Chair on Defense, Security, and Intelligence, Momo Cyrus, claimed that preliminary information surrounding the secret logging points to the involvement of some Chinese nationals who are engaged in mining operations in the county.

According to him, the act undermines the standards and regulations set by state authorities, fuels corruption, and exposes rural communities to exploitation. 

“Our people must know what is happening on their land,” Senator Cyrus said. “Any mining or resource extraction must follow the law, respect environmental standards, and ensure that host communities directly benefit. Liberia’s natural resources cannot be taken under the cover of darkness.”

Meanwhile, Senator Momo Cyrus has called on the relevant institutions, including the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Justice, and the Liberia Immigration Service, to launch an immediate investigation into the matter.

He urged the relevant authorities to review the operational permits, travel documents, mining licenses, and environmental compliance records of all foreign nationals currently operating in Lofa County.

According to the Senator, such a comprehensive review is critical not only to clarify the nature of alleged acts but also to determine whether there have been breaches of Liberian laws governing mineral exploration, land use, airspace control, and national security.

However, local residents of Voinjama and surrounding communities have expressed fear about unusual nighttime movements and heightened activities near forested areas.

Community members have also joined calls for the government to act swiftly to protect their environment. As of the time of this report, no official response has been issued by local government authorities, aviation regulators, or security agencies regarding the alleged aircraft movements or the claims of illegal mining activities.

The situation continues to draw public attention as calls intensify for accountability, enforcement of the law, and decisive government action to safeguard Liberia’s natural resources and national sovereignty.