By Thaimu T Kamara
As part of efforts to strengthen police-community relations and enhance public safety across Samu Chiefdom, the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Kambia Police Division, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mr. Sao Vandy, on Saturday, 13 December 2025, held a stakeholder engagement meeting at the Kychom Community Centre at exactly 10:00 hours.
The meeting brought together community stakeholders, youths, transport operators, and other key partners to discuss security-related issues affecting the district. Key areas of focus included the ban and restriction on all mask devils, the prevention of land disputes, and the fight against harmful drugs within the chiefdom.
CSP Mr Sao Vandy stated that the engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the police and community members, while creating awareness on existing security regulations, particularly the ban on mask devils during the festive season. He emphasized that no individual is permitted to parade or perform with any mask devil, warning that violators will be arrested, investigated, and charged to court.
The LUC further cautioned against land disputes, urging stakeholders and residents not to take the law into their own hands. He encouraged the immediate reporting of any land-related conflicts to the appropriate authorities for prompt and lawful resolution, rather than resorting to violence.*
Addressing the issue of drugs, CSP Mr Sao Vandy sent a strong warning against the sale, smuggling, and consumption of harmful substances, notably tramadol, cannabis sativa, and Kush, which he described as deadly drugs that have claimed the lives of many youths across the country. He stressed that anyone found involved in such activities will face arrest and prosecution.
He also called on community stakeholders to remain vigilant and support the police in the fight against crime and other offenses, including smuggling of contraband goods, human trafficking, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and domestic violence, especially during the festive season.
CSP Mr Sao Vandy concluded by encouraging residents to be responsible “neighbourhood keepers” by closely monitoring activities within their communities and providing timely and accurate information to the police on any suspicious acts.
The engagement ended on a positive note, with community stakeholders expressing appreciation to the LUC and his team for the timely awareness-raising initiative, particularly on the ban of mask devils during the festive season.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 17th December 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
