The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has taken swift action after a series of alarming incidents that occurred on Sunday, November 26, 2023. Unidentified individuals attempted to breach the military armoury at Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown, subsequently targeting several other locations including Pademba Road and Special Court Correctional Centres, Kissy, and Calaba Town Police Stations. The assailants forcefully opened cells, releasing a considerable number of prisoners and suspects.

In response, the SLP has initiated a full-scale investigation through the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to uncover the precise facts and motives behind these coordinated actions.

The police are actively engaged in a manhunt to re-arrest the assailants, as well as the escaped prisoners and suspects. An advisory has been issued urging those unlawfully released to surrender themselves at the nearest police station to avoid potential charges for “Escape from Lawful Custody.”

Additionally, the SLP appeals to the public for any pertinent information that could aid in expediting the investigation. Acknowledging the proactive actions of some prisoners who voluntarily surrendered to the Sierra Leone Police, the efforts have been recognized and appreciated by the police leadership.

In a bid to encourage collaboration, the SLP has announced rewards for valuable information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the assailants involved in the security breach. A reward of Fifty Thousand New Leones (50,000 NLe) is offered for any information on the assailants, with an additional Ten Thousand New Leones (10,000 NLe) for the arrest of unlawfully released prisoners or suspects from the aforementioned Correctional Centres and Police Stations on November 26, 2023.

The public is urged to cooperate with law enforcement, and any information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.