The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has officially launched its 2025 Annual Crime Statistics Report, revealing a continued rise in criminal and road traffic offences nationwide, with urban areas remaining the most affected. The report was unveiled at a press conference at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, Freetown, attended by senior police officials and members of the media.

Assistant Inspector General (AIG) John Martin Senesie, Director of Operations, provided an overview of nationwide security activities, while AIG Esther Mary Kaintor-Dukuray, Director of Corporate Affairs, formally launched the report and presented the executive summary.

According to the report, a total of 34,066 offences were recorded in 2025, reflecting an overall crime rate of 0.38 percent, up from 0.33 percent in 2024. Urban and semi-urban areas, particularly the Western Area, accounted for 59 percent of all reported cases. Breakdown by region shows:

  • Freetown East Region: 11,603 cases (34.1% of national total)
  • Freetown West Region: 8,487 cases (24.9%)
  • Eastern Region: 4,249 cases
  • North West Region: 2,613 cases (lowest incidence)

Population-adjusted analysis indicated that the Western Area had 1,049 crimes per 100,000 population, well above the national average of 375.

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Crime Categories and Trends

  • Offences against Women and Children: 15,188 cases (44.6%)
  • Property-related crimes: 6,848 cases (20.1%)
  • Economic offences: 4,469 cases (13.1%)
  • Offences against the Person: 3,956 cases (11.6%)
  • Road traffic accidents: 2,071 cases (6.1%)

Violent crimes rose sharply, now accounting for 44 percent of all offences, compared to 34 percent in 2024. Specific increases include:

  • Homicides: 168 cases, up from 150, with Freetown West recording the highest number (43 cases)
  • Rape: 78 cases, up from 57
  • Domestic Violence: 12,301 cases, up from 7,456
  • Sexual Penetration of a Child: 1,946 cases, up from 1,520
  • Robbery: 151 cases, up from 138
  • Assault: 2,133 cases, up from 1,698

Drug-related offences totaled 448 cases, with Kush emerging as the most prevalent substance, followed by Tramadol and cannabis. Cocaine-related offences remained comparatively low.

Case Outcomes

Of the total cases reported:

  • 6,314 cases (18.5%) were forwarded to Magistrate Courts
  • 614 cases were committed to the High Court
  • 389 convictions were secured

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Brima Kamara emphasized the SLP’s ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability, highlighting the institution’s transition from a “Force” to a “Service.” He noted that professionalism, effective service delivery, and community engagement remain central to building public trust.

The press conference concluded with questions from the media, underscoring the report’s importance as a tool for guiding policing strategies, informing government policy, and strengthening crime prevention initiatives across Sierra Leone.