Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has assured the nation that the situation is under control following an attack on a military barracks in the capital, Freetown.

In a national address, President Bio said that most of the leaders who facilitated the attack have been arrested and that the security forces are on high alert. He also confirmed that some prisoners escaped from the Pademba Road Prison during the attack, but that they are being pursued and will be recaptured.

Various reports suggest that 24 people have been allegedly arrested including 6 female ex-soldiers, 9 retired senior officers, 5 current serving officers belonging to the 999 group, and 4 ex-workers to former president Ernest Bai Koroma.

President Bio praised the security forces for their swift and decisive action in repelling the attack and restoring order. He also thanked the citizens of Sierra Leone for their calm and cooperation during this difficult time.

“I want to assure everybody who is resident in Sierra Leone that we have overcome this challenge,” President Bio said. “Together, we will continue on the path of progress and development.”

The attack on the Wilberforce military barracks occurred on Sunday morning. The attackers were reportedly repelled by a combined team of government security forces.

The motive for the attack is still unknown, but it is being investigated by the authorities.