By: Aminata Sesay
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has reported a notable decline in crime rates across the country, following the release of its 2024 Crime Statistics Report on March 5, 2025. The report unveiling, held at the Senior Police Officers Mess in Kingtom, was led by Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu, who commended law enforcement officers for their tireless efforts in maintaining security.
In his address, IGP Sellu emphasised the rigorous data collection and analysis that went into the report. He highlighted that crime prevention strategies, increased police presence, and community collaboration played a pivotal role in reducing crime across Sierra Leone. He encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and actively report suspicious activities, stressing that public cooperation remains essential for sustaining national security.
According to the report, Sierra Leone recorded a total of 29,015 criminal and road traffic offences in 2024, marking a 4.8% decrease from the 30,491 cases in 2023. The nationwide crime rate now stands at 0.33%, reflecting a 0.2% drop compared to the previous year.
Regional Police Commander for Freetown West, AIG Sylvester M.N. Koroma, provided insights into major crime categories:
Aggravated robbery cases declined by 9.92%, dropping from 121 cases in 2023 to 109 in 2024.
Road traffic incidents saw the most significant improvement, plummeting from 3,953 cases in 2023 (resulting in 490 fatalities) to 1,809 cases in 2024 (with 347 fatalities) a 54.24% reduction in incidents and a 29.18% drop in fatalities.
Offences against women and children, however, rose slightly by 1.40%, indicating an area that still requires urgent attention.
While acknowledging regional disparities in crime rates, AIG Koroma attributed the overall crime reduction to the dedicated efforts of law enforcement officers, enhanced patrols, and intelligence-driven policing.
Addressing the significance of the findings, AIG Esther Mary Kaintor-Dukuray, Director of Corporate Affairs, urged Sierra Leoneans to embrace peace and refrain from criminal activities. “For our country to thrive, we must collectively reject crime and support law enforcement efforts,” she stated.
Meanwhile, ACP Allieu Jalloh, Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), reinforced the importance of proactive policing in deterring crime. He acknowledged that certain conditions create opportunities for criminal activities, emphasising the need for swift police responses and continued community cooperation.
The 2024 Crime Statistics Report serves as a critical tool for policymakers, security agencies, and community leaders in developing effective crime prevention strategies. As the SLP remains committed to national security, the report highlights both progress and the need for continuous vigilance in safeguarding Sierra Leone’s future.