Post a comment 
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on Friday, 13 February 2026, supervised the destruction of 4,692 assorted offensive weapons in a move aimed at strengthening public safety and preventing the circulation of illegal arms.
The exercise was led by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Brima Kanneh, Regional Commander for Freetown-East, and took place at ODHAV Multi Industries in Songo. The event was witnessed by divisional commanders, operational officers and members of the media.
Among officers present were the Local Unit Commander of Waterloo Division, Superintendent Bankolay Mansaray; the Local Unit Commander of Masiaka Division, Chief Superintendent of Police John B. Koroma; and the Regional Operations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Francis Momodu Tommy, along with other personnel.
The destroyed cache consisted of knives, swords, cutlasses and axes. All the items were melted down to eliminate any possibility of reuse or circulation for criminal purposes.
According to the Sierra Leone Police, the weapons were first detected on 23 September 2025 by the Sierra Leone Port and Harbour Authority during a routine security inspection.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the items had been concealed inside three vehicles and were not declared on the shipping manifest. The suspected consignor, who was reportedly based in Maryland, United States of America, declined to claim the shipment.
Acting on directives from Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu, the Freetown-East Regional Command ensured that the entire consignment was securely destroyed in the interest of public safety.
AIG Kanneh reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stating that the Sierra Leone Police will continue to work with partners to curb the spread of illegal and offensive weapons across the country.
The destruction forms part of ongoing efforts by the Sierra Leone Police to enhance community safety and prevent crime nationwide.
