Crime
Scores killed in Anti-government protest in Sierra Leone
Scores killed in Anti-government protest in Sierra Leone
By Bodunrin Kayode
Violent anti-government protests has erupted in some parts of the West African state of Sierra Leone leading to a high level of casualties.
The violence which started on Wednesday this reporter learnt was as a result of what some of the residents regard as very harsh policies of President Julius Mada-Bio who has been midwifing the nation since 2028.
Since the country came out of the covid 19 scourge which ravaged Freetown and all the provinces, they alleged that the government did not insert enough palliatives to enable young people get out of the economic crisis the scourge brought on them.
” As a matter of fact, it’s been one problem or the other since President Mada-Bio took charge as commander in Chief but he has been trying his best to insert stability onto the polity because he is in charge of the armed forces and not the chair of the police who were the main target of these demonstrators” said a source who wished to remain anonymous in the Sierra Leone High CommissionA it in Nigeria
Vice President Mohammed Jalloh confirmed in a nation wide broadcast today that there were gruesome casualties on both sides but was unable to be specific while announcing the curfew which started 3pm Freetown time yesterday.
Eye witnesses however told this reporter through phone that the anti-government protesters and police clash started mostly in the Eastern part of the capital and resulted in the death of at least two policemen who were
murdered by the opposition mob as at Wednesday evening.
” The rioters clashed with police in the streets of the East end of the capital due to tensions over the rising cost of living especially food and fuel. It was when the vice president who is the chair of the police gave the directive for the curfew to be effective that the tension heightened.
“But the West end area up to st John and beyond were mostly peaceful as most residents were seen gathered outside their homes discussing the unfolding development before the Government slammed the curfew starting from 3pm to stop the rioters who had started destroying Government properties worth millions of Leones including buses, cars and police stations in the provincial areas.
In his national broadcast on Wednesday, Vice President Mohamed Jalloh confirmed that lives have been lost on both sides of the fracas and that it was the business of Government to keep the peace of the state.
No comment was heard from President Julius Mada-Bio even as most of the protesters on Wednesday were calling for his resignation even before the anticipated general election in ten months time.
Incidentally, Mada Bio was elected President in 2018 and has about 10 months for his first term to end.
He however has already said that registration of new voters will commence on the 3rd of September so that the program for the next general elections can be rolled out accordingly.
Eye witnesses said that the demonstrators chanted “Bio must go” as they made their way from the hinterlands through the capital, Freetown.
The people of Sierra Leone have gone through a litany of lingering woes which includes a decade long war caused mostly by tribalism, outbreak of Ebola which engulfed the entire country resulting in very high casualties and the recent outbreak of corona which resulted in the death of hundreds in the war torn country still rising from the ruins of a civil war that ended in 2002.
Scores killed in Anti-government protest in Sierra Leone
Suspected ISWAP member surrenders to troops in Borno, admits role in attacks on Delwa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 73 Battalion (Motorised), Operation HADIN KAI, have apprehended a suspected member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who surrendered to troops in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was arrested at about 6:47 p.m. on July 14 at the Cashew Plantation area during routine security operations.
According to the sources, the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation that he was an ISWAP member from Warabe, Pulka, in Gwoza Local Government Area and had voluntarily approached the troops to surrender.
The suspect further disclosed that he had dumped his AK-47 rifle in a river before making contact with the troops.
He also allegedly admitted to participating in three separate attacks on Delwa alongside other members of the terrorist group.
Items recovered from the suspect included one bicycle, one cutlass, one bicycle repair solution, one bicycle pump, one spoon, and ₦6,500 in cash.
Military sources said the suspect is in custody and is undergoing further investigation to obtain intelligence that could support ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The arrest is part of sustained efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to encourage the surrender of insurgents while dismantling terrorist networks operating across the North-East.
Suspected ISWAP member surrenders to troops in Borno, admits role in attacks on Delwa
Troops rescue three kidnap victims in Plateau, one abducted in Taraba four months ago
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have rescued three kidnapped victims during separate operations in Wase and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the first operation was conducted at about 9:50 a.m. on July 15 when troops of Sector 2, while on an offensive operation, rescued two kidnapped victims at Dogon Ruwa village in Wase LGA.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims had been abducted on March 15, 2026, at Kamna Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State before they were eventually rescued in Plateau State after about four months in captivity.
The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the Madaki of Dogon Ruwa Village for further necessary action and reunification with their families.
In a separate operation conducted earlier at about 4:00 a.m. on the same day, troops of Sector 3, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, responded to reports of the abduction of a resident from his home at Kissayip Village in Bassa Local Government Area.
The joint security team successfully rescued the victim and evacuated him to the Danjuma Ogar Medical Centre in Jebbu Bassa for medical attention.
Military sources said the operations form part of sustained efforts by Operation SAFE HAVEN to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across Plateau State and adjoining areas.
They added that troops have continued offensive and confidence-building operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action and enhancing security across the Joint Operations Area.
Troops rescue three kidnap victims in Plateau, one abducted in Taraba four months ago
Troops foil motorcycle snatching attempt by local criminals in Plateau, rescue injured rider
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching and rescued an injured rider in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:05 p.m. on July 15 while troops of Sub-Sector 81, Gyambwas, were on routine patrol along the Chanso–Gebrel road.
According to the sources, the troops responded after hearing the screams of a distressed individual and immediately moved to the scene.
On arrival, the troops sighted two suspects fleeing into the surrounding area, abandoning the victim and his motorcycle.
The victim, identified as Aron Irimiya, 28, sustained machete cuts during the attack.
He told the troops that the fleeing suspects had attempted to dispossess him of his motorcycle before they were forced to flee by the arrival of the security personnel.
The troops evacuated the injured victim to a Primary Health Centre, where he is receiving medical treatment.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while security patrols have been intensified in the area to deter further criminal activities.
The operation forms part of Operation Enduring Peace continued efforts to combat violent crimes and improve security across Plateau State.
Troops foil motorcycle snatching attempt by local criminals in Plateau, rescue injured rider
Suspected ISWAP member surrenders to troops in Borno, admits role in attacks on Delwa
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