The Media Operations Officer at Army Headquarters in Sierra Leone, Major Yayah Brima, Esq., has confirmed that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant-General Amara Idara Bangura has no plans to demolish Services Secondary School located at Juba Barracks. The statement came in response to recent claims suggesting otherwise.

“The CDS never intended to demolish the premises occupied by the school, nor has he planned to assign any portion of the school land to any private business company as misrepresented,” Major Brima stated.

He accused certain individuals of twisting the facts to protect their personal interests, emphasizing that the CDS’s primary goal is to safeguard the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) estates against land grabbers and illegal occupants.

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Brima asserted ongoing issues with encroachment on military land, particularly at Juba Barracks, which he noted is one of the oldest military garrisons established during the colonial era.

He reported that the land originally surveyed for Juba Barracks and Services Secondary School exceeds 50 acres, but more than 30 acres have been illegally occupied by individuals, including some former students of the school.

The surveyed land space for both Juba Barracks and Services Secondary is approximately 23 acres. Brima warned that squatters and land grabbers pose a persistent threat to the remaining land, stating, “These individuals have gone to the extent of putting up makeshift structures despite several warnings by the RSLAF hierarchy.”

In an effort to address those encroachments, the CDS has ordered the demolition of unauthorized structures erected by squatters and soldiers around the barracks. “The CDS has never directed that the premises occupied by Services Secondary School be demolished. It is important for the public to know that RSLAF is the Proprietor of the School and the CDS is the Chairman of the governing Board of all Services Schools within our Barracks,” Brima clarified.

He expressed concern over the actions of former students who have attempted to claim RSLAF land as their own, stating that the leadership of RSLAF will take a firm stand against such activities. “It must always be noted that the relationship between RSLAF and Services Secondary is longstanding and inseparable,” he added, noting that the school was established on November 22, 1961, to nurture future military leaders.

Major Brima concluded by reaffirming the commitment of RSLAF to protect its properties and maintain the integrity of Services Secondary School, which has produced numerous military leaders, including the recently promoted Major-General Sahr David Thomas Ngaujah, the current Chief of General Staff (CGS).