By Saidu Jalloh
In a press briefing held over the weekend, Joseph Ibrahim Lahai, the Director of Crime of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), announced that Sierra Leone has attained the remarkable distinction of being ranked the third most peaceful country in Africa and first in West Africa. This achievement, Lahai attributed to a significant reduction in crime rates across the nation.
Lahai presented the latest crime statistics report, revealing that Sierra Leone experienced a notable decline in criminal activities in 2023. According to the report, a total of 30,491 criminal and accident cases were reported and investigated throughout the six Police Command Regions of the country.
During his address, Lahai emphasized the collaborative effort required from both the security forces and the public in combating crime. He highlighted the pivotal role played by the public, particularly during the June 24th, 2023 Multi-tier elections, where heightened vigilance contributed to maintaining peace and security.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Lahai extended appreciation to all security forces for their exceptional support before, during, and after the elections. He underscored the crucial role these forces played in safeguarding the nation’s peace and stability during the electoral process.
Lahai acknowledged the concerted efforts made by the SLP in the fight against criminal activities over the years, citing overwhelming evidence of drastic reductions in crime rates from previous years’ reports.
Furthermore, Lahai urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their communities promptly, reinforcing the notion that crime prevention is a collective responsibility.
In response to the evolving landscape of cybercrime, Lahai revealed that Sierra Leone Police has made substantial strides in cyber security, ranking second to South Africa in Africa. Under the leadership of Inspector General of Police, Mr. Williams Fayai Sellu, the SLP has organized training programs and sent personnel to Egypt and China to enhance their capabilities in combating cybercrime and handling digital evidence.
Lahai concluded by acknowledging the indispensable contributions of the Executive Management Board (EMB) members, whose joint leadership and valuable insights have been instrumental in the success of the SLP.
The Director of Crime’s address sheds light on Sierra Leone’s commendable progress in maintaining law and order, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in sustaining peace and security within the nation.
