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The Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) held a solemn interfaith service yesterday, Wednesday, November 26, 2025, to honor the 18 security personnel who lost their lives defending the constitutional order during the attempted coup exactly two years prior.
The memorial, held at the Defence Headquarters at Cockerill Barracks in Freetown, brought together military and security leadership, political figures, and family members of the fallen officers to reflect on the sacrifice made by the personnel.
The service was held on the two-year anniversary of the deadly events that unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, November 26, 2023. That day, a group of retired and serving security personnel, reportedly led by ex-Sergeant Amadu Koita Makalo, launched coordinated attacks on various military locations, including the military armoury at Wilberforce Barracks and the country’s custodial facilities.
The attacks, aimed at overthrowing the Government and usurping the Constitutional Order, resulted in the deaths of 18 security personnel. The deceased included high-ranking officers such as Colonel Wilfred Sao Samai (SL 963) and Lieutenant Colonel John Robert Mboma (SL 1076), as well as junior ranks up to Lance Corporal and Private.
The service featured both Christian and Muslim orders of worship, underscoring the unity of the Armed Forces.
The Christian Order of Service included hymns like “Nearer my God to Thee” and “To God be the Glory,” with scripture readings taken from Isaiah 57:1-2 and 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18. The Muslim Order of Service featured an Islamic Song by the Armed Forces Band, a Quranic Recitation (Chapter 3, Verse 183 to 186) led by Alhaji Musa Mansaray, and a sermon delivered by the Forces Chief Imam.
Official tributes were delivered by representatives from the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, the Sierra Leone Police, the RSLAF, and a dedicated representative from the Victims’ Family to acknowledge the profound loss experienced by their unit and the nation.
The memorial concluded with prayers for the departed souls, their family members, the RSLAF, and the Nation.
