By Thaimu T. Kamara
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen police public collaboration and promote community safety, the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of Kambia District, in partnership with the National Revenue Authority (NRA), convened a high-level security engagement meeting with transport operators, traders, and key stakeholders. The meeting was held on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, at 10:40 a.m. at the Bamoi Luma Police Station, under a peaceful and stable security atmosphere.
The session was spearheaded by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Sao Vandy, supported by his proactive policing team, and the Anti-Smuggling Supervisor of the NRA at the Gbalamuya Customs Border, Mr. Vandason Vandy Mansaray.
The engagement brought together journalists, transport operators, traders, and community representatives to discuss pressing issues including, Crime prevention and strategic community policing. The fight against smuggling and trafficking of illegal goods. Road safety, over-speeding, and reckless driving.The dangers of overloading and illegal street trading.
The meeting opened with both Christian and Muslim prayers, symbolizing unity and cooperation among stakeholders.
Delivering strong remarks, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) James Tailu, District Traffic Officer, urged transport operators to respect traffic laws, obey road signs, and prioritize safety, Over-speeding, overloading, and reckless driving continue to put lives at risk, ASP Tailu warned. “We will not hesitate to enforce the law. Transport operators must also support the police by reporting suspicious activities for swift intervention.
Addressing the issue of smuggling, Mr. Vandason Vandy Mansaray, NRA Anti-Smuggling Supervisor at Gbalamuya, stressed the devastating impact of smuggling on Sierra Leone’s economy. Smuggling undermines national revenue generation, which is essential for salaries, public services, and development, he explained. We call on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and report illegal activities.
He expressed appreciation to the LUC and pledged continued collaboration between the NRA and security agencies.
Personnel from the Community Relations Department (CRD) encouraged attendees to maintain strong communication channels with the police, emphasizing the importance of community reporting in preventing crime and maintaining order. In his keynote address, CSP Sao Vandy highlighted the district’s main security concerns, with a firm focus on:
Overloading. Reckless driving and over-speeding. Street trading on highways and rights-of-way. General criminal activity.
He warned traders conducting business on streets and highways to desist immediately, citing the risks of accidents and traffic obstruction. He also directed transport operators to avoid illegal parking and to clear stationary vehicles and motorbikes from the roadside.
The LUC further underscored the importance of licensing for vehicles and motorbikes, and called for greater collaboration, cooperation, and communication between transport operators and the police.
We must all remain vigilant. Report suspicious activities and help us identify potential criminals. Together, we can safeguard peace, security, and stability in Kambia District, he concluded.
The meeting ended successfully with a lively question-and-answer session, comments, and observations from stakeholders, followed by a vote of thanks to the LUC and his team for their dedication to maintaining law, order, and security across the district.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 3rd October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
