Colonel Issa Bangura, the Director of Defence Public Relations & Information for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), issued a public notice on Tuesday, cautioning against the spread of false information concerning a purported planned attack or protest by military officers in the nation’s capital.

In an official statement, Colonel Bangura expressed concern over social media posts containing audios and videos claiming that Senior and Junior Military Officers were planning an attack or protest on Wednesday, January 17th, and Thursday, January 18th, 2024.

The Ministry of Defence and the RSLAF consider these posts a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and create unnecessary fear. Colonel Bangura condemned the act, emphasizing that it aims to tarnish the RSLAF’s good image and credibility. He issued a strong warning to social media bloggers and other platforms, urging them to refrain from inciting soldiers, causing panic, and spreading misinformation in the interest of national security.

Colonel Bangura underscored the RSLAF’s commitment to professionalism and upholding constitutional responsibilities, assuring the public that the force remains law-abiding and ready to defend the nation. He emphasized that any publication suggesting otherwise is misleading and designed to distract the RSLAF from its duties.

Furthermore, the public was informed that a social media post claiming “RSLAF Presidential Guards and the OSDs have volunteered for a cleaning exercise, especially around the Central Business District (CBD) on Wednesday, January 17th, 2024,” is fake and misleading.

RSLAF urged the public to remain calm and continue with their normal activities, reassuring them of the RSLAF’s commitment to national security and professionalism.