By: Saidu Jalloh
In a concerted effort to combat crime, particularly armed robbery, authorities in the Lungi Police Division have successfully apprehended an individual posing as a military officer.
The incident occurred on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Freetown International Airport. A vigilant officer, Lieutenant Nelson Sellu Swarry, stationed at the airport, confronted David Abdul Kamara, a resident of Bai Bureh Road, Congo Water, Wellington, Freetown. Kamara was dressed in full military attire and claimed to hold the rank of lieutenant.
Lieutenant Swarry noted that Kamara’s greeting and demeanor did not reflect the regimental standards expected of a military officer of his claimed rank. Further questioning revealed inconsistencies in Kamara’s story, including discrepancies regarding his alleged military service number and enlistment year. Kamara claimed to have enlisted in 2015; however, this was a year without military recruitment due to the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone.
Recognizing the red flags, Lieutenant Swarry promptly detained Kamara and reported the incident to his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jones of the 15 Infantry Battalion. During questioning, Kamara admitted that his uniform had been given to him by Corporal Sulaiman Sama from the Armed Forces Training Wing at Benguma Barracks.
The commanding officer promptly notified CSP Sahr Nyuma, the Local Unit Commander of Lungi Police Division, who dispatched a team, including the division’s crime officer, to the scene. They assisted in bringing Kamara to the Lungi Police Station for further investigation.
Despite the incident, the Lungi Division and its surroundings remain peaceful and calm.
