Monrovia, Liberia – All unauthorized residents at Camp Ramrod Military Barracks, also known as the 72nd Barracks, have received a final, unyielding warning from the Ministry of National Defense to leave the area within 14 days or risk being forcibly removed.
The Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, instructing anyone living illegally within or near the barracks to leave by Monday, January 19, 2026, since the facility is still a restricted military area that is vital to Liberia’s national security.
The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Engineering Battalion will start building physical barriers to properly define government property during the voluntary departure period. The Ministry urged residents to maintain calmness, assist authorities, and adhere to clearly designated escape routes while assuring the public that the exercise will be conducted peacefully. Officials stressed that individuals who comply swiftly and peacefully would not face punishment or have their personal property seized.
Despite numerous attempts by succeeding administrations to recapture the land, Camp Ramrod has been illegally occupied by civilians since the end of Liberia’s civil war. The Ministry claims that the AFL’s capacity to renovate the barracks and increase space for recently enlisted soldiers and operational units has been significantly hampered by the ongoing encroachment.
The Ministry revealed that it has had several meetings with the inhabitants’ leaders since early 2024 and formally conveyed the necessity of a voluntary departure. In order to facilitate a smooth transition, a formal four-month notice to depart was also given in May 2025.
However, the residents have continued to occupy the property in spite of these prolonged notices and consultations. Officials also disclosed that the AFL presently only has access to thirteen of the thirty-seven (37) acres of illegally occupied land at the barracks, which are officially designated for immediate rehabilitation and redevelopment.
The Ministry described the 72nd Barracks as strategically important, pointing out that it is essential to Liberia’s national defense architecture, especially in terms of facilitating quick military action in reaction to disturbances or security concerns on Monrovia’s northwest flank.
The Ministry reaffirmed that the 72nd Military Barracks, like all other restricted military zones, is not intended for civilian habitation or activities. It cautioned that an ongoing illegal presence puts civilians in danger and jeopardizes vital military operations. The statement cautioned that “this evacuation is not optional,” indicating the government’s will to retake the facility for the sake of national security.
Reported by: Prince Saah
