By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has assured the public that the country remains calm and stable while maintaining a high level of alertness to respond to emerging security threats and criminal activities.
The assurance was given on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, during a press conference held at the Police Mess in Kingtom, Freetown. Senior police officers provided updates on security operations, criminal investigations, traffic management and road safety.
Director of Operations, Inspector Senessie, said the current security situation remains calm but cautioned that security circumstances can be unpredictable. He said this requires police commanders across the country’s six regions to remain constantly vigilant.
“I want to assure you that the nation is quiet and calm,” Inspector Senessie said, stressing that the Police continues to monitor developments across the country and remains prepared to respond whenever necessary.
He acknowledged that police operations sometimes present serious challenges, including situations in which lives may be lost. However, he said such challenges would not deter the Police from carrying out its mandate to protect lives and property.
Inspector Senessie also highlighted the impact of sustained police patrols, particularly in communities affected by drug-related activities and other forms of criminality.
According to him, increased patrols have produced positive results by enhancing police visibility and helping to deter criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Mr Alieu Jalloh, provided details of an ongoing investigation into an alleged break-in in Magburaka.
Mr Jalloh said that on August 23, 2026, suspected thieves allegedly broke through a fence and entered a compound along Number 13 Numbuma Road in Magburaka.
Following the incident, police patrols were conducted as investigators began efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the break-in and identify those allegedly connected to it.
During the investigation, police intercepted a vehicle with registration number AQF 016. The driver, identified as Alimamy Kamara, was subsequently taken to the CID for questioning.
Mr Jalloh said information obtained during the investigation enabled police to trace other individuals believed to be connected to the matter. Some of them reportedly fled the area and travelled as far as Freetown.
The investigation subsequently led to the arrest of four suspects.
As part of the investigation, the CID checked the identities of the suspects against the police criminal database. Mr Jalloh said one of the suspects, identified as Abdul Rahman Jalloh, was found to have a previous record and had previously been charged to court.
He further disclosed that another suspect had also appeared in police records on two previous occasions in connection with allegations of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.
The CID said investigations are continuing to establish the individual roles of the four suspects and determine whether additional persons may have been involved. The suspects remain under investigation, and any allegations against them will be determined through due process.
The Police also provided an update on an incident at Lakka Beach on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
According to an incident report from Godrich Police Station, several individuals were arrested after military uniforms were discovered among their belongings during a search.
Police also recovered a cutlass and toy guns from the suspects.
The individuals were taken to Godrich Police Station for questioning. Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that they were involved in acting, while further inquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding their possession of the items.
The military uniforms, cutlass and toy guns have been retained as exhibits as investigations continue.
Chief Inspector Edward Kamara, Head of Traffic at Central Division, meanwhile, raised concerns about road safety and referred to a 2023 World Bank report highlighting the loss of lives associated with road traffic incidents in Sierra Leone.
He identified three major areas requiring stronger enforcement and public cooperation: vehicle overloading, driving unregistered or unlicensed vehicles, and excessive or unauthorized vehicle lighting and decorations.
Chief Inspector Kamara urged motorists to comply with road traffic regulations, warning that unsafe practices can put passengers, pedestrians and other road users at serious risk.
The Police said it will continue to strengthen patrols, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement and other security operations across the country.
Police authorities also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities and providing information that could assist investigators.