By Ibrahim Sesay
The Sierra Leone Police have once again demonstrated their steadfast resolve in preserving the nation’s peace and security through prompt, coordinated and professional responses to emerging threats and criminal activities. This commitment was highlighted during the weekly Police Press Briefing held at the Police Headquarters Conference Hall on George Street in Freetown on December 5, 2024. Journalists and representatives from Civil Society Organizations attended the event, which provided critical updates on law enforcement operations across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Assistant Commissioner of Police and Head of Police Media, Brima Kamara, presented a detailed overview of recent developments, emphasizing the efforts of the police in responding to both domestic and cross-border security challenges. In a startling disclosure, ACP Brima Kamara announced that a female suspect, Aminata Innah Daramy, has been declared wanted for her alleged involvement in covert attempts to overthrow the democratically elected Government of President Julius Maada Bio.
ACP Brima Kamara explained that Aminata Innah Daramy was first arrested on December 8, 2023, in connection with the failed coup attempt that took place on November 26, 2023. She was detained for nine days before being released on bail due to insufficient evidence. As part of her bail conditions, she was instructed to report to the Criminal Investigation Department for further questioning. However, renewed intelligence indicating a fresh threat to national security led to her re-arrest on July 18, 2024. She was again granted bail with a mandate to report monthly. Her subsequent failure to honor these reporting requirements and her unknown whereabouts have prompted the police to issue a nationwide alert, urging the public to assist in locating her by reporting any sightings to the nearest police station.
ACP Brima Kamara recounted the events of November 26, 2024, when the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces’ Quick Reaction Forces reportedly clashed with two individuals in a gun battle. The confrontation, which occurred exactly one year after the 2023 attempted coup, resulted in the deaths of Captain Aba Senesie and Captain TL Conteh. The men, who had been on the run since the previous year, were believed to have returned to launch another coup. ACP Brima Kamara confirmed that intelligence linked Aminata Innah Daramy to the renewed plot, though investigations remain ongoing.
Turning to border security, ACP Brima Kamara described a significant breakthrough at the Gbalamuya border post in the Kambia District where police intercepted a vehicle attempting to enter Sierra Leone from Guinea. Acting on reliable intelligence, officers discovered a substantial quantity of contraband drugs hidden inside the vehicle. The driver and two passengers believed to be the owners of the illegal cargo were arrested and are now assisting police investigators. ACP Brima Kamara emphasized that the successful interception was a testament to the increased vigilance of border patrol operations and the strengthened collaboration between intelligence units and operational teams in disrupting transnational criminal networks.
In a separate and equally disturbing development at the same border post, a woman was apprehended while attempting to cross into Guinea with twelve children under suspicious circumstances. Ten of the children were girls, all believed to be between the ages of thirteen and fifteen. When questioned, the woman claimed she was taking the children to be resettled in Guinea, yet she failed to produce any documentation proving familial ties or legal guardianship. One of the children revealed that their parents had consented to the journey after being assured by the woman that they would be offered better living conditions and access to quality education. ACP Brima Kamara described the situation as deeply troubling, pointing to a likely case of child trafficking. The children have since been placed in protective care while investigations continue to identify any additional perpetrators and determine the full scope of the operation.
Meanwhile, in the eastern part of Freetown, police made significant strides in maintaining internal security through the arrest of four suspected armed robbers. The arrests took place during routine night patrols when the suspects were observed behaving suspiciously. Although no robberies had yet been reported, the timely intervention of the patrol teams prevented any potential attacks. The suspects remain in custody and are expected to face prosecution in court.
In concluding the briefing, ACP Brima Kamara reaffirmed the Sierra Leone Police’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the country’s peace, security, and constitutional integrity. He encouraged citizens to stay vigilant and collaborate closely with law enforcement by reporting suspicious behavior in their communities. ACP Brima Kamara stressed that national security is a collective responsibility and that the protection of lives and property depends on the shared commitment of both the authorities and the general public.
The session concluded with a dynamic question and answer period, during which members of the media and civil society raised critical issues and sought clarifications. Senior police officers responded comprehensively, further reinforcing the force’s commitment to transparency, public accountability and adherence to the rule of law in their ongoing efforts to uphold peace and justice throughout Sierra Leone.
