By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
In a strong show of unity and national commitment, the Southern Regional Police Command on Saturday, 22 November 2025, led a massive joint-security sensitization parade through the major streets of Bo. The event delivered a powerful message: tackling Kush and other narcotic substances is a shared responsibility, and Sierra Leone’s security institutions are fully mobilized for the fight.
The parade was coordinated by the Regional Police Commander South, Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Mustapha Kamara, and brought together the region’s full security sector, governance representatives, community leaders, and youth groups. Their collective participation demonstrated the growing resolve to confront the rise of the deadly drug that continues to devastate communities nationwide.
Adding significant weight to the exercise was the presence of Brigadier General Almamy Osman Kamara, Brigade Commander of the 5th Infantry Brigade, Gondama Barracks, who marched alongside his troops. His involvement highlighted strong police-military cooperation and reaffirmed the government’s unified stance in the national fight against drug abuse.
Also in attendance were the Resident Minister South, Mr. John Abu; representatives of the Office of National Security, led by Bo District Security Coordinator Suahibu Koroma; the National Fire Force; civil society and human rights groups; and media organizations. Students from schools across Bo added colour and energy to the march, underscoring the vital role of young people in combating drug abuse.
Local Unit Commanders Chief Superintendent Augustine Kabia of Bo West Division and Chief Superintendent Foday Sesay of Bo East Division provided operational leadership, ensuring the event remained orderly, well-coordinated, and impactful.
The jogging-and-marching procession wound through the city’s central streets, delivering live sensitization messages. Security officers, soldiers, pupils, and community representatives encouraged young people to avoid Kush, urged residents to report suspicious drug-related activities, and stressed the importance of community collaboration in keeping neighbourhoods safe.
The involvement of the Bo Artists Union and various media outlets added artistic and informational depth to the campaign, reinforcing the understanding that the fight against Kush goes beyond law enforcement and requires collective societal action.
For the many residents who lined the streets, the parade delivered a clear and reassuring message: under the leadership of AIG Andrew Mustapha Kamara, security forces in the Southern Region remain steadfast in their mission to protect the health, safety, and future of the people of Sierra Leone.
The successful parade marks a significant step forward in the region’s anti-drug efforts and reaffirms the commitment of both police and military personnel to building a safer, drug-free society.
As the Southern Region continues to lead by example, one message stands out: the fight against Kush is a national fight and every institution, community, and citizen has a role to play.