By Forum staff writer
Four officers of the Sierra Leone Police Operational Support Division OSD have tragically lost their lives in a fatal road accident while accompanying the presidential convoy from Freetown to Moyamba on Thursday 16 January 2026.
Police sources confirmed that the incident occurred earlier in the day during the official movement of the convoy. The circumstances surrounding the accident are still under investigation, but authorities have described the incident as a devastating loss to the police force and the nation.
The deceased officers have been identified as Officer popularly known as Spanner of the 22 Squad, Foday Koroma and Mustapha Kamara both of the 15 Squad, and Sergeant Alie of the 12 Squad. They were all on active duty at the time of the accident, providing security support as part of the presidential escort.
According to police statements, the remains of the officers have been conveyed to the mortuary where post mortem examinations will be conducted to establish further medical details surrounding their deaths. Family members of the deceased have been formally notified as police leadership and government officials continue to express condolences.
The Operational Support Division is a key unit of the Sierra Leone Police, often deployed for high risk operations, crowd control and VIP protection duties. Officers attached to the division undergo rigorous training and are frequently assigned to demanding operations across the country.
The deaths of the four officers have sent shockwaves through the police community, with colleagues describing them as dedicated and disciplined personnel who served with commitment and professionalism. Fellow officers and members of the public have taken to social platforms to pay tribute, describing the fallen officers as heroes who died in the line of duty.
Senior police officials are expected to visit the families of the deceased to offer condolences and support during this difficult period. The Inspector General of Police is also expected to issue a formal statement honoring the service and sacrifice of the officers.
Meanwhile, investigations have been launched to determine the cause of the accident, including an assessment of road conditions, vehicle status and other possible contributing factors. Authorities have assured the public that findings from the investigation will be made available once completed.
As the nation mourns, the tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced daily by security personnel tasked with protecting lives and maintaining national stability. The fallen officers are remembered for their courage, dedication and ultimate sacrifice in service to Sierra Leone.
