Banks and Fuel Dealers Partner with Police in Kenema for Enhanced Security Measures

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) convened a strategic security coordination meeting on Thursday in Kenema, bringing together bank managers and fuel dealers to reinforce safety measures across the financial and commercial sectors.

The session was chaired by Regional Commander East, AIG Francis Brima Meinday, and supported by Local Unit Commander, CSP Bob Musa Mansaray.

Opening the meeting, AIG Meinday emphasized the growing need for a unified security approach among the SLP, financial institutions, and fuel businesses. He highlighted priorities including safer cash-handling practices, improved investigative cooperation, enhanced fire-prevention strategies, and the promotion of digital financial services to reduce cash-related risks.

Participants commended the proactive engagement of the SLP and praised the leadership of AIG Meinday and CSP Mansaray for creating a platform where banks and fuel dealers could jointly assess security priorities. The collaboration was recognized as a key step in improving communication, strengthening safety measures, and supporting businesses in adopting modern security practices.

The banking sector reaffirmed its commitment to promoting digital and cashless services, noting that increased use of mobile banking, point-of-sale transactions, and online transfers would enhance convenience while minimizing risks. The Bank of Sierra Leone (Kenema Branch) encouraged partner institutions to intensify customer education on these digital tools.

Fuel dealers also expressed appreciation for the SLP’s partnership, pledging to adopt safer operational procedures, including daily bank deposits, strengthened internal security measures, and greater

vigilance in day-to-day activities.

CSP Mansaray highlighted the importance of functional firefighting equipment, staff training in emergency response, and monitoring customer movement to deter potential criminal activity.

The engagement concluded on an optimistic note, with participants describing the initiative as timely and productive.

AIG Meinday thanked attendees for their turnout and assured them of the SLP’s ongoing commitment to collaboratively addressing all security concerns.