BY Emma Black

In a proactive effort to tackle growing security challenges and promote collaborative policing in Kenema City, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) Media and Community Relations Department convened a vital community engagement in the Abuja Section of Kenema. The meeting, which brought together local leaders, residents, and other stakeholders, was led by the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Kenema Division, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Bob Musa Naslic Mansaray.

Opening the discussion, Chief Boebana Kallon expressed deep appreciation to the LUC and his team for their unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order across Kenema. He described the engagement as timely and essential for reinforcing peace and stability within the Abuja community. Chief Kallon assured the police of the community’s full cooperation, pledging to work closely with law enforcement to ensure Abuja becomes a safe and crime-free environment.

Madam Auguster Amie Momoh, the community’s women’s leader, echoed similar sentiments while highlighting the urgent need for a permanent police post in the Abuja area. She noted that the community’s distance from central policing resources often delays response times to emergencies. Madam Auguster also appealed to the police administration to prioritize the inclusion of Community Safety Volunteers (CSVs) in upcoming recruitment drives, acknowledging their dedication and contributions to maintaining peace at the grassroots level.

Speaking during the engagement, Sub-Inspector Brima James Musa of the Media and Community Relations Unit commended the vigilance and increasing security awareness among community members. He emphasized that effective policing relies on collective action between citizens and the police. He praised the tireless efforts of CSVs who, despite receiving no pay, continue to serve their communities selflessly. Sub-Inspector Musa called on local stakeholders and partners to provide logistical and welfare support to sustain the volunteers’ motivation and enhance their efficiency.

In his keynote address, CSP Bob Musa Naslic Mansaray lauded the Abuja community for their active collaboration with the police in combating crime. He explained that security is a shared responsibility that demands coordination among law enforcement, community leaders, and ordinary citizens. The LUC urged residents to adopt a zero-tolerance stance against criminal behavior and to avoid providing refuge to offenders.

CSP Mansaray assured participants that their concerns especially regarding the establishment of a police post and enhanced support for CSVs would be communicated to the Police Management Board for review. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening community-police partnerships and encouraged continuous engagement to ensure sustainable peace and development in Kenema.

This engagement marks another milestone in the Sierra Leone Police’s community policing drive, demonstrating that public safety thrives best when communities and law enforcement work hand in hand. The Abuja Section’s endorsement of this approach reflects growing public confidence in collaborative policing as a vital tool for reducing crime and fostering lasting security in Kenema City.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 17th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)