Foreign Minister Secures Release Of 16 Security Personnel
Sixteen Sierra Leonean security personnel captured by Guinean forces in the Falaba region have been released following high-level diplomatic intervention led by Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Kabba.
The detained officers, comprising 13 soldiers and three police personnel, were reportedly apprehended near the Sierra Leone-Guinea border while on duty, sparking tension and concern over the already fragile border situation.
Government sources confirmed that the breakthrough came after intense diplomatic negotiations between Freetown and Conakry, with Minister Kabba personally spearheading crisis talks.
Kabba Leads High-Level Talks in Conakry.
Minister Kabba led a high-powered delegation in Conakry, where urgent joint discussions are underway to ease mounting border tensions that have threatened regional stability in recent months.
The 16 officers were handed over to Kabba’s delegation after negotiations, and authorities confirmed they are now safely back under Sierra Leonean custody.
Officials described the release as a diplomatic success achieved through dialogue rather than confrontation, commending the peaceful engagement between the two governments.
The officers have since been received by senior military officials and government representatives, marking an emotional reunion after days of uncertainty for their families and colleagues.
However, even as the nation welcomed the safe return of its security personnel, fresh concerns have emerged along the volatile frontier.
Hon. Fallah Tengbeh, Member of Parliament for Kissi Teng Chiefdom in Kailahun District, has raised alarm over what he described as an “imminent threat” from Guinean forces.
According to Tengbeh, heavily armed Guinean troops recently made an unauthorised incursion into Sokoma village, a settlement located approximately 300 metres from the disputed Yenga town, an area currently under Guinean military control.
He alleged that the Guinean soldiers issued a stern warning to residents and Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) personnel stationed there, declaring:
“They told us they will soon come back to take over Sokoma.”
The development underscores the delicate nature of the border dispute and raises questions about the long-term stability of the region, despite the successful diplomatic resolution that secured the release of the 16 officers.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and strengthened border cooperation to prevent further incidents.
While the release of the detained personnel has been widely celebrated as a diplomatic victory, observers note that continued dialogue between Sierra Leone and Guinea remains critical to preserving peace and preventing escalation along the border.
For now, the nation breathes a sigh of relief, but the border question remains far from settled.
After the bravery and diplomatic effort of the Foreign Minister, Timothy Kabba, in securing the detained military and OSD officers, the Hon. Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, welcome home the servicemen who were held in Guinea.
The returned officers, led by their captain, marched into the premises with discipline and dignity. Dressed in their military uniforms, heads held high, they carried themselves with pride — a powerful reminder of the courage and professionalism of our armed forces.
