Repatriation of Over 600 Challenge Sierra Leone Security

Repatriation of Over 600 Challenge Sierra Leone Security

Data released by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) indicates that more than 660 Sierra Leonean nationals were repatriated from the Sahel region, Libya, and the United States during 2025. This significant influx of returnees was reported by Deputy Head of the Trans-National Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) Superintendent Abass Bangura during the regular police press briefing held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Police Officers Mess in Kingtom, Freetown.

The repatriation figures coincide with an observed escalation in criminal activities, specifically those associated with narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, and financial fraud. This correlation highlights the increasing complexity of security and social challenges currently facing the nation.

Detailed figures show the demographic breakdown of the returnees: 259 females and 183 males from the United States, and 99 males and 145 females from the Sahel region, including Libya, Niger, Mauritania, and Algeria. While the majority are adults, the presence of minors below the age of 18 underscores the broad impact of these global movements.

While the government continues to collaborate with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to facilitate voluntary repatriation, authorities have noted the potential for some returnees to be affiliated with organized criminal networks, particularly those involved in narcotics and human trafficking.

In response, the Sierra Leone Police’s TOCU has reported recent successes in operations targeting drug trafficking syndicates. On December 28, 2025, Mohamed Bangura was arrested in Makeni with 185 tablets suspected to be Ecstasy and a quantity of suspected Cocaine, pending forensic analysis. Further large-scale seizures occurred at the Freetown International Airport, where authorities intercepted consignments believed to be Tramadol—44 cartons on January 5th and 37 additional cartons on January 6th—indicating persistent, organized attempts to smuggle pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, arrests were made involving suspects, including Alhaji Sillah and Mohamed Kargbo, detained for concealing parcels of suspected Kush, a psychoactive substance, within vehicles. These operations emphasize the sustained focus of law enforcement on counter-narcotics efforts.

From January to December 2025, TOCU executed 70 narcotics-related investigations, resulting in 202 court cases and 27 convictions, alongside 40 organized crime raids nationwide. Beyond narcotics, the unit is actively investigating 12 cases related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and has prosecuted 25 cases of conspiracy to defraud, achieving 3 convictions following five raids.

The government's comprehensive strategy includes rigorous monitoring and management of the returning nationals, many of whom are vulnerable or have been exploited. Security agencies emphasize the critical need to couple the reintegration process with stringent surveillance to mitigate the reemergence of illicit activities linked to transnational organized crime.

As Sierra Leone navigates the interconnected issues of repatriation and escalating crime, officials underscore the imperative of community engagement, international cooperation, and robust law enforcement to safeguard national stability. TOCU’s recent operational achievements demonstrate the capability of the nation's security forces while simultaneously highlighting the necessity for continued efforts and global partnerships to effectively combat organized crime.

The government has scheduled a press briefing for January 8th to further address these developments and detail forthcoming strategies for crime combat and the supportive reintegration of returnees. The nation remains focused on reinforcing security and stability amidst these ongoing challenges.