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Sierra Leonean security personnel reportedly captured by Guinean forces remain in detention, with negotiations ongoing for their unconditional release, Defence Spokesman Hassan Sei Coomber has said.
In an interview with Truth Media, Coomber confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway, adding that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, is leading a delegation to engage his Guinean counterpart over the matter.
The development follows reports from Kaliyere Village in Falaba District alleging that Guinean soldiers crossed into Sierra Leonean territory and captured several Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and Operational Support Division (OSD) officers before withdrawing from the area.
The claims gained attention after a video circulated on social media. In the video, a Sierra Leone Army Lieutenant alleged that he sustained serious injuries during the confrontation, stating that he was stabbed near the eye and had his ear pierced. He further claimed that several colleagues, including a captain identified as Francis, were captured.
An OSD officer who also appeared in the footage confirmed the reported detention of personnel, saying, “They have captured our men; this is not a joke again.” The officers indicated that they retreated from the area out of fear of further attacks, warning that the location appeared to be surrounded.
As of the time of the initial reports, there had been no formal statement from the Sierra Leone Armed Forces or the Sierra Leone Police confirming the circumstances of the alleged incursion.
However, Guinean authorities have since issued an official statement disputing claims of a cross-border raid and asserting that Sierra Leonean personnel entered Guinean territory without authorization.
In Communiqué No. 001/2026 released by the General Staff of the Armed Forces on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, the Government of Guinea stated that the incident occurred on Sunday, 22 February 2026, in Koudaya District, Sub-Prefecture of Sandénia, Prefecture of Faranah.
According to the communiqué, several dozen armed Sierra Leonean soldiers crossed approximately 1.4 kilometres into Guinean territory, where they allegedly set up a tent and raised their national flag. Guinean Armed Forces were deployed after receiving an alert and subsequently arrested sixteen officers, seizing their equipment. The detained officers and confiscated materials were handed over to the judicial police for investigation.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Army Corps General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, commended Guinean troops for what he described as their prompt response and professionalism, and called for heightened vigilance to protect Guinea’s territorial integrity.
The incident has heightened tensions in the border region. Falaba District shares a boundary with Guinea, and cross-border security concerns have occasionally unsettled local communities.
Diplomatic engagements are now ongoing, with Sierra Leonean authorities seeking the release of the detained personnel through official channels. Further updates are expected as discussions between the two governments continue.
