By Josephine Sesay

In response to a troubling surge in armed robbery incidents in Sierra Leone’s Southern Region, Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG (Ret.) Morie Lengor Esq., convened a high-level meeting with the Southern Region Police Command leadership in Bo City on Saturday, August 30, 2025. The urgent session, held at the Regional Police Headquarters, was prompted by growing public alarm following a recent attack on the NASSIT Regional Manager in Bo, highlighting the need for robust security measures.

Addressing senior officers, Minister Lengor expressed deep concern over the escalating security crisis, which threatens not only Bo but the entire nation. The rise in armed robbery undermines public safety and economic stability, he stated. This engagement aims to assess current efforts, devise comprehensive strategies, and restore trust by ensuring the safety of lives and property.” He emphasized community policing, intelligence-driven operations, and stronger collaboration with local stakeholders, pledging government support for enhanced resources, logistics, and training to bolster police effectiveness.

Southern Regional Police Commander AIG Brima Kanneh briefed the Minister on ongoing investigations, particularly the NASSIT attack, noting that suspects, including repeat offenders, remain at large. “We’ve intensified rapid-response measures, deepened community engagement, and enforced internal discipline to combat these crimes, Kanneh said. He outlined efforts to dismantle criminal networks, with key suspects identified, and reassured the Minister and public of the police’s commitment to curbing armed robbery and related crimes.

The meeting, attended by senior police officials from Bo and neighboring districts, Community leaders have called for increased patrols and youth engagement programs to address root causes, such as unemployment, which fuels crime.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)