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The Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor Esq., has visited the Port Loko Correctional Centre following a fire outbreak at the facility on January 30, 2026, to assess the extent of damage and review response efforts by security agencies.
The Minister was accompanied by the Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS), Mr. John Joseph Senesie. The visit aimed to evaluate the burnt sections of the facility, consider possible redress mechanisms, and acknowledge the role of security forces and government officials in restoring order after the incident.
During the visit, Mr. Senesie briefed the Minister on the circumstances surrounding the fire and the coordinated response by the SLCS, Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), and other security agencies, as well as support from government officials and community stakeholders.
He commended their intervention, noting that their actions helped to contain the situation and prevent further escalation.
The Regional Commander for the North West Region, AIG Joseph I. Lahai, explained that military reinforcements were deployed to strengthen security after inmates reportedly attempted to breach gates during the disturbance. He stated that the combined efforts of security personnel and community support helped restore calm.
According to him, no deaths were recorded, no inmates escaped, and only a few sustained minor injuries. He added that the district has since remained calm.
Addressing officers and inmates, Minister Lengor commended the professionalism of the security agencies, particularly the SLP and RSLAF, and thanked senior government officials, including the Resident Minister and the Mayor of Port Loko, for their cooperation.
He encouraged SLCS personnel to continue upholding professional standards and urged inmates to comply with prison regulations and avoid actions that could threaten safety.
The Minister assured inmates that government is considering measures to address some of the challenges within correctional facilities and emphasized the importance of reporting individuals who attempt to incite violence.
Although the cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined, the Minister said government is working on steps to ensure normal operations are fully restored and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He also stressed the need for sustained coordination among security agencies and the adoption of proactive strategies to address evolving security challenges.
The Resident Minister for the North West Region, Ambassador Umaru Bundu Wurie, the Mayor of Port Loko, Alie Badara Tarawalie, and the Permanent Secretary of Port Loko District, Mr. Augustine Fogbei, also acknowledged the Minister’s visit and reiterated their commitment to supporting security efforts and the enforcement of regulations.
