By Forum staff writer
Security personnel from Sierra Leone who were captured on Tuesday by Guinean military forces at Kailayah in Falaba District remain in detention under the control of Guinean soldiers, as diplomatic and military engagements continue behind the scenes.
The incident occurred along the border between Sierra Leone and Guinea and has raised fresh concerns about cross border security and territorial integrity. The arrest was officially confirmed by the Defence Spokesperson of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Air Commodore Hassan Sei Coomber.
According to preliminary reports from the area, Guinean troops allegedly crossed into Sierra Leone’s territory and attacked a joint team of Sierra Leone military personnel and officers of the Operational Support Division. During the confrontation, several Sierra Leonean security officers were overpowered and taken into custody by the Guinean forces.
Sources familiar with the situation say the incident took place at Kailayah, a border community in Falaba District, an area that has in the past experienced disputes over border demarcation. Residents in nearby communities reportedly fled temporarily amid fears of further escalation following the arrest.
Senior officers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces are said to be actively engaging their counterparts from the Guinean military in an effort to secure the safe and immediate release of the detained personnel. These engagements are understood to include high level military to military communications aimed at de escalating tensions and resolving the matter through dialogue.
While official details remain limited, security sources stressed that the detained personnel are alive and are being held at an undisclosed location across the border in Guinea. No injuries have so far been officially confirmed, but authorities say the welfare of the hostages remains a top priority.
The Ministry of Defence and the leadership of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces are closely monitoring the situation. The RSLAF is expected to issue a comprehensive statement later today to update the public on developments and to clarify the circumstances surrounding the border incident.
The arrest has sparked concern among civil society groups and residents in border districts, with calls for calm and restraint as diplomatic efforts continue. Observers say the situation underscores the need for stronger bilateral coordination and clear border management mechanisms between Sierra Leone and Guinea to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For now, attention remains focused on ongoing negotiations, as authorities work to ensure the safe return of the detained Sierra Leonean security personnel and the restoration of normalcy along the border.
