Police Reduce Number of Checkpoints in Sierra Leone

The Sierra Leone Police has reduced the number of checkpoints in districts, towns and cities in the country.

The announcement was made public in a notice issued late on Friday, January 17, 2025.

The notice attached a list of the number of checkpoints that will be active in the country for public knowledge.

The police said the reduction is meant to aid commuters, especially those travelling on long trips, from making several stops.

“PHQ acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the proliferation of checkpoints for commuters across the country,” the Police said.

While citizens have applauded the news, some have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the notice and whether personnel of the force would adhere to it. However, the Police warned that actions would be taken against personnel who violate the new directive.

The proliferation of checkpoints took a new turn following the aftermath of a failed coup in November 2023. The security sector, at the time, said the checkpoints were one of the several measures necessary for the security of the state.

Commuters were temporarily asked to exit their vehicles for security checks, while elderly and disabled individuals were provided with spaces to rest as they waited to cross the checkpoints.

Recent analysis indicates that the new announcement serves as evidence of the country’s stability and suggests that the security sector is effectively managing the situation.

Below is the list of approved Checkpoints according to the Sierra Leone Police: