By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

A suspected armed robber has been arrested by the Sierra Leone Police following the recovery of a locally made firearm, ammunition and other offensive weapons during a routine stop-and-search operation at the Ngalehun Police Checkpoint in the Bo East Division.

The suspect, identified as Ibrahim Mbayoh, was apprehended on Sunday, 12 July 2026, after police officers intercepted a vehicle for a routine security check. During a thorough search of the vehicle, officers reportedly discovered a locally made short gun, three live cartridges and two knives concealed beneath the driver’s seat.

According to police, the suspect was immediately arrested and escorted to the Bo East Divisional Headquarters, where he remains in custody as detectives continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the possession of the weapons and any possible links to criminal activities.

The recovered firearm, ammunition and knives have been retained by the police as exhibits and are expected to form part of the evidence as the investigation progresses.

The arrest is part of the Sierra Leone Police’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety through intensified patrols, intelligence-led operations and checkpoint inspections aimed at preventing armed robbery and other violent crimes.

Security authorities have reiterated their commitment to removing illegal firearms from circulation and ensuring that individuals found in possession of unlawful weapons are brought to justice in accordance with the laws of Sierra Leone.

Police have assured the public that investigations remain active and that further updates will be provided as the case develops. They also encouraged citizens to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing timely information that could help prevent crime and enhance community security.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 15th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)