By: Saidu Jalloh
The Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG (Rtd) Morie Lengor Esq., on Thursday visited the Port Loko Correctional Centre to assess damage caused by a fire outbreak at the facility on 30 January 2026, authorities have said.
Minister Lengor, accompanied by the Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS), Mr. Joseph J. Senesie, inspected the affected sections of the centre and engaged security personnel as part of ongoing efforts to determine response measures and restore normal operations.
Briefing the Minister, SLCS Director General Senesie outlined the circumstances surrounding the incident and the response mounted by security forces, including the SLCS, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). He commended the swift intervention of the security agencies, government officials, and community stakeholders, describing their actions as decisive in containing the situation.
The Regional Commander for the Northwest Region, AIG Joseph I. Lahai, reported that the rapid deployment of security personnel prevented the incident from escalating. He disclosed that military reinforcements were immediately dispatched following reports of unrest. According to him, some inmates attempted to force their way through the gates during the confusion but were restrained by security personnel.
He confirmed that no fatalities were recorded, although a few inmates sustained minor injuries. He assured the Minister that calm had been fully restored and that the district remained peaceful.
Addressing officers and inmates, Minister Lengor, speaking on behalf of President Brig. (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio, praised the prompt actions of the SLP, RSLAF, and other security agencies, as well as the support of senior government officials, including the Resident Minister and the Mayor of Port Loko.
He acknowledged the dedication and sacrifices of SLCS personnel and urged them to continue upholding professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The Minister also cautioned inmates to comply with correctional centre regulations and maintain discipline, while assuring them that the government was working to address challenges within correctional facilities nationwide. He encouraged inmates to serve their sentences lawfully and to report any attempts to incite violence.
Although the cause of the fire remains unknown, officials confirmed that the incident resulted in the destruction of property. Minister Lengor said the government is implementing measures to ensure a full return to normalcy and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He further emphasized the need for sustained coordination and enhanced support among security agencies to effectively respond to emerging security threats, stressing that proactive strategies are essential to maintaining national peace and stability.
The Resident Minister for the Northwest Region, Ambassador Umaru Bundu Wurie, and the Mayor of Port Loko, Alie Badara Tarawalie, were also actively involved in efforts to stabilize the situation. The Mayor and the Permanent Secretary of Port Loko District, Mr. Augustine Fogbei, commended Minister Lengor’s leadership, describing his visit as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to effective oversight, security, and the enforcement of regulations.