By: Sajor Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Police have successfully neutralized two key figures behind a failed coup attempt, Captain Aiah Abass Sensei and Captain TL Conteh, following a series of covert operations across the country. Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayai Sellu revealed the significant progress in the investigation during a media update on November 27, 2024.
According to IGP Sellu, the two fugitives had been recruiting men in a bid to execute another coup, planned for December. The authorities were monitoring their activities through advanced intelligence and technology, which led to the identification and capture of the two individuals. Sellu confirmed that the fugitives, after their failed coup attempt on November 26, had fled to Guinea, where Sierra Leonean forces had successfully arrested five individuals involved in the plot.
“We deployed extensive resources across the country to cover possible escape routes, utilizing technology that allowed us to track phones and movements of the suspects,” said IGP Sellu. “Their communication, including a broadcast on Voice of America, confirmed their location and plans.”
Sellu disclosed that the suspects had been operating out of Makeni and Waterloo, where they were orchestrating plans for another coup and distributing funds to supporters via MoneyGram. Despite efforts to bring them in peacefully, the two fugitives resisted arrest, engaging security forces in gunfire, which ultimately led to their neutralization.
The IGP vowed that anyone connected to the coup attempt, including those who aided and abetted the fugitives, would be pursued and brought to justice. The police are continuing their efforts to ensure that all individuals involved in the plot are held accountable.
Sierra Leone’s government and security forces have pledged to maintain stability and prevent any further attempts to undermine the nation’s democracy.
