By Abrah Tee Jay
The Office of National Security (ONS) has been doing extremely well with the processing of intelligence in addressing security matters in the country.
By our intelligence estimate and security information assessments, Sierra Leone remains relatively stable and peaceful. Security level classification remains at Level One; meaning that there is no known threat to national security. “The security forces are fully in charge, and we have the capacity and are committed to protecting law-abiding persons at all times. The public is encouraged to support law enforcement efforts and refrain from all forms of lawlessness and indiscipline, as perpetrators will be dealt with according to the laws of Sierra Leone.”
The paragraph above is a synopsis of the statement made by the National Security Coordinator (NSCoord), Office of National Security (ONS), Mr. Abdulai Caulker, at the weekly press briefing, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) at the conference hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The NSCoord was part of a three-man panel, including the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Dr Conrad Sankey, and Madam Valnora Edwin, a renowned Civil Society activist.
Moderating the briefing session was the Minister of Information and Civil Education, who, after giving key highlights of the national and international news headlines, ushered the NSCoord to take the first bite in the briefing session.
The NSCoord started by updating the public that the country’s security situation remains relatively stable and peaceful. He expressed optimism that the situation is expected to continue as such for the foreseeable future. However, he encouraged the public to support law enforcement efforts for the provision of security for Sierra Leone. He went on to briefly outline the mandate of the ONS, which includes advising the Government of Sierra Leone on all matters of national security, and promoting Security Sector coordination and governance, with a view to ensuring effective and efficient delivery of National Security services. He quoted the Act, which created the ONS; the National Security and Central Intelligence Act of 2002 (NaSCIA), which has been repealed and replaced by the NaSCIA, 2023.
The NSCoord furthered that the country’s national security architecture remains responsive to the numerous security
challenges confronting Sierra Leone, adding that all the national and decentralized security committees continue to hold their regular meetings, and have resolved critical national and communal conflicts, ranging from the provision of strategic leadership to resolving land, border, secret society and cattle rearer/crop farmer disputes across Sierra Leone. He also highlighted the role of the Security Sector, through the Integrated Elections Security Planning Committee, in providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the general elections held in June 2023. The NSCoord also specifically mentioned the National Security Council (NSC) and the National Security Council Coordinating Group’s (NSCCG) role in the peaceful return of Paramount Chief Russel to his chiefdom in Lower Banta.
In addition, he mentioned security operations which targeted the disruption of illegal activities, including bursting the activities of rogue criminal cartels, illegal mining activities at riverbed communities, the arrest of prohibited cargos at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, as well as suspected perpetrators. He stated that quite recently, the Sea Cooperation Project (SEACOP) team deployed at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay apprehended two containers containing drugs, including the Killer Kush, and a number of suspects are currently helping the police with the investigations. He assured the public that, with support from international partners, the Security Sector remains poised in pursuing all rogue elements for the peace, security, and development of the country.
The NSCoord acknowledged that in spite of the inroads being made by the sector, Sierra Leone continues to be confronted with numerous security breaches, including the riots of 10th August 2022, and the recently failed coup plot. He stated that although the Security Sector was able to robustly respond to the ugly episodes, both events had come at a huge loss, including the unnecessary deaths of security personnel, civilians, as well as the wanton destruction of private and public properties. He implored the public to reflect and learn critical lessons from these dastardly acts of unpatriotic elements. He reminded the public that although the Security Sector is not averse to genuine demonstrations, however, it remains imperative that planners of such events follow due process, as Sierra Leone is a country of laws.
Commenting of the influence of social media, the NSCoord did not mince his words when he said that the misuse of social media is responsible for all the national security threats currently facing the country. He used the platform to encourage the public to be cautious in reacting to social media information, because the platform is full of misinformation, disinformation, bigotry, and hate speech. He furthered that in recognition of the power of information, the Security Sector has and will continue to show commitment in reaching out to the public about Security Sector interventions, using all media platforms at their disposal.
On building synergies, the NSCoord opined that before, during and after the elections, the Security Sector has held several engagements with critical state and non-state actors, with a view to forming positive partnerships between the Security Sector and the public. The Security Sector Strategic Communications team is also dedicated to reaching out to members of the public, using conventional as well as non-conventional means.
The NSCoord briefed that as a testament to the resolve to strengthen Security Sector service delivery, on the 5th and 6th April, 2024, the Security Sector conducted a two-day Study-Day aimed at broadening the scope of collaboration among security sector institutions, in order to help address critical national security issues.
Mr. Caulker assured the public that with the declaration of a Public Health Emergency by His Excellency, the President, Brig. (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to fight the drug scourge, the Security Sector will play a prominent role in supporting the President’s vision.
The NSCoord concluded by informing the public that the Security Sector remains alert to the security realities confronting the country, and that interventions will be intelligence-led, and all security operations will continue to be devoid of any sentimental attachment.
The NSCoord announced the National Situation Room’s Toll Free Line-119 (all mobile service networks in Sierra Leone) to report any suspicious security concerns, and also referred the public to the ONS’s website for critical information about the ONS and the Security Sector. He adequately responded to all the questions (including the Yenga situation) posed by listeners and viewers from across the globe.