AIG TOWER UPDATES THE MEDIA ON POLICE OPERATIONS ACROSS EASTERN REGION

BY: ABDUL MARTINS FODAY AMARA

In a move to strengthen public trust and demonstrate accountability, the Police Regional Commander-East, AIG Francis Moses Tower has led a high-level press briefing at the Regional Headquarters in Kenema. The event brought together senior police officers and members of the Fourth Estate, aimed at giving a transparent update on police operations and challenges across the region. In his opening session, AIG Tower expressed heartfelt appreciation to journalists for consistently projecting the positive strides of the Sierra Leone Police. He emphasized that the media and the police are partners in service delivery and national development, acknowledging that even constructive criticism plays a key role, as it encourages those in error to correct themselves.

Building on that note, he called for stronger collaboration between the police and the media, noting that crime-fighting becomes more effective when information is shared in a timely and responsible manner. He stressed that transparency and open communication are not optional, but rather vital elements in crime prevention and public safety. Reinforcing AIG Tower’s message, Chief Superintendent Ambulai Alphonso Fahnbuleh, Local Unit Commander of Kenema Division, emphasized the need for holding regular press briefings. He noted that consistent media engagement is key to maintaining public confidence and ensuring that citizens remain well-informed about security matters.

Following this, the Regional Crime Officer, ASP Mohammed Hindolo Feika, provided a detailed overview of crime statistics in the region. According to him, there has been a noticeable decline in the overall crime rate; however, he cautioned that drug trafficking remains a pressing concern. He assured the public of ongoing police efforts to combat this menace and made a passionate appeal for community members to actively support law enforcement by reporting drug-related activities.

Contributing further, the Mayor of Kenema City, Thomas Karimu Baio, praised the police for their unwavering commitment to tackling criminal activities, particularly drug abuse, within the city. However, he addressed some recent allegations by a section of the public accusing certain police officers of collaborating with drug dealers. In response, Mayor Baio firmly dismissed such claims as baseless and unfounded. He urged the police to continue engaging the community, emphasizing that security cannot be achieved by the police alone but through shared responsibility.

As the briefing progressed, members of the press actively engaged the police leadership with questions and recommendations. These were received positively and addressed in detail by AIG Tower, who reaffirmed the force’s readiness to continue its work transparently and collaboratively. In conclusion, the event served as a strong reminder that public safety is a collective responsibility—one that requires constant dialogue, trust-building, and partnership between law enforcement, the media, and the public.