Made-in-Nigeria: Nigerian-trained General Bags Top Security Position in Liberia

Joseph Boakai has appointed Major General Charles Johnson (retd.) as the new Director of the National Security Agency.

This key appointment, which is pending confirmation by the Liberian Senate, follows Johnson’s resignation months prior from his role as Minister of National Defence.

Major General Johnson has a distinguished career in the Liberian military. He served as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia for six years and was previously commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant after completing officer candidate school in 2007. His training includes an officers’ course at the Nigeria Army School of Infantry in Jaji, Kaduna State, and he is an alumna of the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

His leadership skills were recognized early on when, in 2014, he was promoted by Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to Brigade Commander of the 23rd Infantry Brigade. This appointment made him the first Liberian to hold the post of Brigade Commander in the AFL since the end of the Liberian Civil War. Additionally, Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the United Methodist University, obtained in 2004.

Johnson’s career has been marked by significant achievements and leadership roles. Prior to his current appointment, he served as Military Assistant to former Minister of National Defence, Brownie J. Samukai Jr., and his military background has been thoroughly vetted, showcasing his broad experience and capability in defense and strategic planning.