Deputy IG of Police Addresses Urban Lawlessness, Announces New Clearance Operations

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Sahr Y. Senesie, has provided a comprehensive update on the newly established Task Force, created to combat escalating lawlessness and restore public order across Freetown.

This initiative, championed by Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, aims to address rising indiscipline, with Senesie emphasizing the police's commitment to transparency and public awareness regarding enforcement efforts.

Senesie highlighted that the current situation in most affected areas is "relatively peaceful and quiet," attributing this to weeks of coordinated enforcement. The Task Force's inception followed a high-level stakeholders' meeting on April 17, 2025, at the Freetown City Council.

During this meeting, representatives from various institutions devised a unified strategy, which included extensive community sensitization. Communities were informed that the task force would soon begin operations to clear walkways, address biker rider misconduct, and eliminate sources of environmental and noise pollution in residential areas.

A significant focus of these operations has been the removal of construction materials, such as sand and granite, left obstructing roadsides, which are a common cause of accidents. Senesie confirmed this has become a priority area for enforcement.

The Task Force has developed clear checklists and guidelines, and successful clearance operations have been conducted in key locations. Regional police commanders are now deployed to monitor and maintain order, with areas like Wilkinson Road, Model New Junction, and the previously chaotic Jui area now orderly and peaceful due to public cooperation.

Senesie affirmed that public sensitization precedes every operation, ensuring residents are warned before any enforcement actions are taken. He commended Minister Morie Lengor for his visionary leadership in launching this impactful initiative.