By Thaimu T Kamara

Residents and key stakeholders in Kambia District have welcomed the newly appointed Northwest Regional Police Commander, AIG Madam Hillary Sao Kanu, during her familiarisation visit to the district on Monday, August 24, 2026.

The engagement, held at the LPPB William Fayia Sellu Hall in Kambia, brought together Paramount Chiefs, district authorities, civil society organisations, journalists, youths, security personnel and other development partners.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Regional Police Commander to interact with community leaders and stakeholders, assess the security situation in the district and strengthen collaboration between the Sierra Leone Police and the communities it serves.

The meeting was chaired by the Paramount Chief of Gbilleh Chiefdom, PC Alhaji Alusine Alimamy Sorie Sankoh Yilla, who described Kambia as relatively peaceful and security-stable.

The Paramount Chief stressed the importance of maintaining strong relations between traditional authorities, communities and security institutions. He said continued cooperation was necessary to consolidate the progress made in crime prevention, peacebuilding and maintaining stability across the district.

Providing an overview of the security situation, CSP Mr Sao Vandy presented an update on the operational and administrative activities of the Kambia Police Division.

He highlighted the impact of community policing initiatives and increased cooperation between the Police and local stakeholders, noting that the interventions had contributed to a reduction in crime, particularly offences associated with the district’s border communities.

Other stakeholders, including the District Officer, representatives of the Office of National Security (ONS), the Commanding Officer of the 11 Infantry Battalion, the LPPB Chairman and representatives of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), also addressed the gathering.

They emphasised the importance of cooperation, coordination and effective communication among security institutions, local authorities and community members.

According to the speakers, sustained information-sharing and collaboration have been instrumental in maintaining peace and stability in Kambia. They, however, called for continued vigilance and collective action to respond to emerging security challenges.

The Chairperson of the Civil Society Movement, Madam Aminata, raised concerns over challenges facing departmental heads in the district, particularly inadequate infrastructure and mobility constraints.

She appealed to the Regional Police Commander to support efforts to address the challenges, noting that improved infrastructure and mobility would enhance the ability of security personnel to respond effectively to incidents and provide services to communities.

Responding to the concerns and recommendations, AIG Hillary Sao Kanu expressed appreciation to the people of Kambia for the warm reception accorded to her.

She commended residents, traditional leaders, security personnel and other stakeholders for their hospitality, professionalism and commitment to maintaining peace and security in the district.

The Regional Commander assured the people of Kambia of her commitment to strengthening crime prevention, community policing and security coordination across the Northwest Region.

AIG Sao Kanu further commended security personnel and community stakeholders for their cooperation, saying their professionalism and coordination had contributed significantly to the peaceful security environment currently prevailing in the district.

She also sensitised participants on the ongoing transition of the Sierra Leone Police from a force-oriented institution to a service-oriented institution.

According to her, the transition requires police officers to prioritise professionalism, public confidence and community service in the execution of their duties.

The Regional Commander urged community members and stakeholders to work closely with the Police by providing accurate, timely and credible information about security concerns within their communities.

She noted that effective policing depends heavily on public cooperation and information-sharing, while encouraging police personnel to develop the capacity to resolve minor disputes and community grievances amicably.

AIG Sao Kanu also called on stakeholders to preserve trust, integrity and cordial working relationships with the Police and other security institutions.

She expressed particular concern about the secret sale, smuggling and consumption of harmful drugs, including Kush, Tramadol and Cannabis Sativa.

She urged community members to remain vigilant and act as responsible partners in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse. Residents were encouraged to report suspected drug dealers to the appropriate authorities so that those involved in the illegal sale and distribution of harmful substances could be investigated and brought to justice.

The Regional Commander said tackling drug abuse requires a collective effort involving security institutions, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, parents, youths and communities.

The familiarisation visit ended on a positive note, with the LPPB Chairman, civil society organisations and other community representatives presenting gifts to AIG Madam Hillary Sao Kanu as a gesture of appreciation, solidarity and commitment to working with her.

The Regional Commander expressed gratitude for the gesture and reiterated her determination to support peacebuilding, community policing, crime prevention and effective security coordination in Kambia District and across the wider Northwest Region.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 31st August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)