AYV News, March 13, 2026
Almost 2,000 cases of Sexual Penetration involving children were reported in Sierra Leone in 2025, according to the latest annual crime statistics released by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). The figures highlight growing concerns about offences against vulnerable children across the country.
The police report indicates that 34,066 criminal and road traffic offences were recorded nationwide during the year. Crime remained largely concentrated in urban communities, with the Western Area accounting for about 59 percent of all reported cases.
Within the region, Freetown East recorded 11,603 offences, while Freetown West reported 8,487 cases, making them the most affected policing divisions in the country.
Crimes involving women and children represented the largest share of reported offences. According to the police statistics, 15,188 cases, or 44.6 percent of all reported crimes, fell within this category.
A major concern highlighted in the report is the rising number of child sexual abuse cases handled by the police’s Family Support Unit (FSU). The unit recorded 1,946 cases of sexual penetration involving children in 2025, up from 1,520 cases reported in 2024.
Out of the 1,946 cases investigated by the Family Support Unit, 133 were charged to court, while 138 were referred to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Police records show that five cases were closed, 83 remain under review, and the majority—1,587 cases—are still under investigation.
Police officials say the high number of ongoing investigations reflects the sensitive and complex nature of sexual offences involving children, which often require extensive evidence gathering and victim protection procedures.
Beyond child sexual abuse, the report also noted increases in other forms of crime. Domestic violence cases reached 12,301, while assault cases totaled 2,133. Police also recorded 151 robbery incidents during the year.
Drug-related crimes were also documented, with 448 cases reported, most of which involved the unlawful possession of Kush, a substance that has become a growing concern among authorities. In addition, 2,071 road traffic accidents were recorded nationwide.
Regarding case processing, the police stated that 6,314 of the reported offences were forwarded to Magistrate Courts, while 614 cases were committed to the High Court. A total of 389 cases resulted in convictions, leading to penalties ranging from fines to prison sentences.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Brima Kamara said the Sierra Leone Police remain committed to improving professionalism and transparency in tackling crime across the country. He added that the institution is gradually transitioning from a traditional policing system to a service-oriented model focused on accountability and public trust.
The 2025 crime statistics report provides a comprehensive overview of crime trends nationwide and is expected to help guide future policing strategies and crime prevention efforts across Sierra Leone.
