On October 1, 2026, Regional Police Commander AIG Hillary Sao Kanu met with Paramount Chief PC Brima Sanda Jimabu Saidu Kainthor and community stakeholders in Sanda Magbolonthor Chiefdom, Port Loko District. The meeting aimed to address recent incidents of violence that resulted in the burning of four houses and a motorbike. Community leaders, youth representatives, and senior police officers, including Local Unit Commander CSP Alphonso A. Fambulleh, attended the engagement.
Paramount Chief PC Brima Sanda Jimabu Saidu Kainthor attributed some of the challenges facing the Chiefdom to longstanding lawlessness, linked to the prolonged absence of a Paramount Chief. He stressed the importance of love, respect, and unity in promoting peace and development. The Paramount Chief also appealed for additional police personnel to strengthen security coverage across the Chiefdom.
CSP Alphonso A. Fambulleh urged residents to prioritize peace, vigilance, and community development over conflicts associated with political interests. He disclosed plans to establish Community Safety Volunteers and Local Policing Partnership Boards in communities across the area. Superintendent John Koroma encouraged youth leaders to take responsibility for maintaining peace in their communities and reminded community leaders of their accountability for incidents in their areas.
AIG Hillary Sao Kanu commended elders and community members for supporting the Paramount Chief and emphasized that maintaining peace is a collective responsibility, particularly among young people. She disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP William Fayia Sellu, approved the deployment of additional police personnel to Sanda Magbolonthor Chiefdom, expected to be deployed before the end of the year.
AIG Kanu urged parents and community leaders to monitor young people and discourage drug abuse. She called on residents to report individuals suspected of selling illicit drugs and support lawful action against them. The Regional Police Commander also urged residents to reject violence, particularly violence arising from political differences, which can undermine community cohesion and development.
Community members welcomed the engagement and expressed appreciation for the Regional Police Commander’s visit and direct dialogue with residents. The meeting provided a platform for residents to discuss security concerns and community tensions. The police engagement aimed to promote peace, unity, and community responsibility in Sanda Magbolonthor Chiefdom.
The police engagement with the Sanda Magbolonthor community demonstrates the efforts of the Sierra Leone Police to address security concerns and promote peace in the region. The deployment of additional police personnel and establishment of Community Safety Volunteers and Local Policing Partnership Boards are expected to enhance security coverage and community policing in the area.
Key points
- The Sierra Leone Police engage with Sanda Magbolonthor community leaders to address recent violence and promote peace.
- Additional police personnel to be deployed to Sanda Magbolonthor Chiefdom to strengthen security coverage.
- Community Safety Volunteers and Local Policing Partnership Boards to be established in communities across the area.
