Freetown Police Arrest 39 Pupils After Violent School Clashes

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have apprehended 39 pupils following violent inter-school clashes that occurred on Friday, June 12, 2026, in the Brookfields area of Freetown. 

The disturbances, which centered around the Zonta Bypass Road near the Freetown Secondary School for Girls (FSSG), disrupted traffic and caused significant alarm among residents and commuters.

The detained students represent several prominent educational institutions, including the Albert Academy, Collegiate School, National Pentecostal School, the Prince of Wales School, and the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM). All suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.

Regional Commander for Freetown-West, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Sylvester M.N. Koroma confirmed that the investigation is being expedited. AIG Koroma stated that suspects found culpable will be charged in court this week for riotous conduct and related public order offenses.

This incident follows a pattern of disruptive behavior involving students from Albert Academy and the Prince of Wales School, which had been previously recorded last year. 

Addressing these recurring tensions, AIG Koroma has initiated outreach efforts, visiting both schools to admonish students and faculty on the necessity of discipline and peaceful coexistence.

Law enforcement authorities have underscored their commitment to maintaining public order, warning that lawlessness will not be tolerated. 

AIG Koroma has further appealed to parents and guardians to provide closer oversight of their children's activities, emphasizing that the current unruly behavior is detrimental to societal harmony and that these arrests are intended to serve as a strong deterrent against future disruption.