Following the recent fire outbreak incidents at the Port Loko Correctional facility on 30th January 2026, the Minister of Internal Affairs AIG. Rtd. Morie Lengor Esq, was accompanied by the Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) Mr. Joseph J Senesie, to assess the burnt facility, for a redress mechanism and to express thanks and appreciation to the security apparatus and other senior government officials for their swift intervention in restoring order in the facility.
During the visit, the DG of SLCS, Mr Senesie, briefed the Minister about key details regarding the incident and the response by security authorities, such as the SLCS, SLP, the RSLAF and support by other security apparatus, government officials and community stakeholders who acted swiftly to manage the situation. He, however, commended their efforts, noting that their interventions were beyond measure.
According to AIG Joseph I Lahai, Regional Commander, North West Region, Port Loko District, the fire outbreak was led by swift security intervention. He explained that he ordered military reinforcements for immediate deployment in the area, adding that community support and subsequent visits by authorities, as during the chaos, inmates attempted to break through gates to escape, but with the intervention of security apparatus, they were able to restore sanity, as no deaths were reported, inmates were unable to escape though few sustained minor injuries. He further assured the Minister that sanity had been restored and the District remained calm and quiet.
Speaking during the visit, Minister Lengor Esq, on behalf of His Excellency the President Brig. Rtd. Julius Maada Bio commended the swift actions of the security officials, especially the SLP and RSLAF senior government officials, including the resident minister, the mayor and other community stakeholders, for their institutional cooperation and support to restore safety and sanity to the community.
He further acknowledged the sacrifices made by the SLCS personnel and encouraged them to continue to demonstrate professionalism in their job and in the interest of the Country. He also oriented and encouraged inmates about following rules and maintaining safety. He assured that the government is putting modalities in place to address some of their challenges, noting that they should behave properly and serve their jail terms and report anyone who wants to incite violence.
Though the cause of the incidents remains unclear, which left properties destroyed, the Minister’s visit to the facility underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that they are working on a series of measures to ensure that the situation has returned to normal.
While acknowledging the outstanding leadership of DG Senesie during the incident, Minister Lengor Esq, expressed sentiments regarding the need for continued, advanced and coordinated support from security apparatuses to his Ministry’s Agencies and to tackle complex security challenges to maintain peace and stability at all times. He further stressed that the expertise of security forces is crucial for national peace and security and that they must use advanced tactics to anticipate and handle security uncertainties.
Conclusively, the resident minister of North West Ambassador Umaru Bundu Wurie and the Mayor of Port Loko Alie Badara Tarawalie, alongside other community stakeholders, also worked with security personnel and firm actions were taken to have the situation under control.
The Mayor and the Permanent Secretary of Port Loko, Mr Augustine Fogbei, further acknowledged Minister Lengor’s exceptional leadership and hands-on approach in taking time to visit the scene and highlighted key elements for supporting the enforcement of regulations.
