By Stephen G. Fellajuah
MONROVIA, Liberia, August 28, 2026 — The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has confirmed taking possession of the Comoros-flagged vessel IB Atlantic IV Moroni following a regional operation that resulted in its seizure in Côte d’Ivoire after it reportedly left Liberian waters.
AFL Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Davidson F. Forley confirmed the development Thursday, August 27, during an appearance on OK FM’s Morning Rush, saying the vessel was intercepted through coordinated efforts involving Liberia and neighboring countries.
“The vessel is now under the possession of the AFL,” Maj. Gen. Forley said.
He did not provide details about the vessel’s cargo, crew or the circumstances under which it was transferred to Liberian authorities.
The vessel has attracted heightened attention amid Liberia’s ongoing investigation into major cocaine seizures and suspected transnational drug-trafficking activities.
However, authorities have not publicly established that cocaine or other illegal drugs were found aboard the IB Atlantic IV.
The vessel first drew the attention of Liberian authorities after it was spotted off Grand Cape Mount County, particularly around York Island in Tewor District, within Liberia’s maritime jurisdiction.
Its prolonged presence offshore reportedly raised concerns among residents and fishermen, prompting authorities to seek information about its identity, purpose and activities.
The situation drew further scrutiny following a July 13 communication to the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) seeking permission for the IB Atlantic IV to berth at the Freeport of Monrovia or anchor nearby.
The request was reportedly signed by Mark Egon Kuiah, then Deputy Director for Operations at Roberts International Airport, who was acting as an agent for Madris Group of Companies.
According to the communication, the vessel had developed mechanical problems after an obstruction reportedly became entangled around its propeller and required divers and technical assistance.
LiMA reportedly declined the request after raising questions about aspects of the vessel’s reported condition and location.
The matter subsequently attracted additional public attention after Kuiah was dismissed from his position at Roberts International Airport amid investigations surrounding Liberia’s major cocaine seizures.
As authorities continued monitoring the vessel, the AFL deployed Liberia Coast Guard personnel to investigate and potentially board it.
Reports indicate that a 14-member tactical Coast Guard team, supported by two boats, was dispatched on August 2 to intercept the vessel.
The operation reportedly encountered difficulties because of adverse weather conditions, Liberia’s limited maritime capabilities and the vessel’s movement toward deeper waters.
The IB Atlantic IV subsequently moved beyond Liberia’s territorial reach, prompting authorities to seek assistance from neighboring countries.
The effort developed into a regional operation involving Liberia, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire.
Ivorian authorities reportedly intercepted and detained the vessel around August 9.
Following the interception, Liberian authorities began diplomatic and security engagements aimed at securing its return for further investigation.
Forley’s confirmation that the vessel is now in AFL custody marks a significant development in the case and could allow Liberian investigators to examine the ship, its records, cargo and other evidence relevant to determining why it was operating off Liberia’s coast.
Investigators are also expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s request to enter the Freeport of Monrovia, its subsequent departure from Liberian waters and its eventual interception in Côte d’Ivoire.
The vessel’s movements have generated particular interest because they occurred amid investigations into large cocaine seizures in Liberia.
But in the absence of an official finding of narcotics aboard the vessel, any direct connection between the IB Atlantic IV and the cocaine cases remains unproven.
Attention is now expected to focus on the outcome of the authorities’ inspection of the vessel, examination of its documents and cargo, and questioning of its crew as investigators seek to establish the circumstances surrounding its presence in Liberian waters.
