Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, conducted a series of unannounced spot checks at checkpoints across Port Loko and Kambia Districts following growing public reports of extortion and bribery involving police officers.
The operation covered the Mange, Maforki, and Rogbala-Lunsar checkpoints in Port Loko District and the Mile 18 checkpoint in Kambia District. According to the ACC, the exercise aimed to curb corrupt practices, restore public confidence, and ensure that law enforcement officers perform their duties professionally and lawfully.
North-West Regional Director of the ACC, Zainab Othman, told officers and other public personnel that maintaining integrity within law enforcement is paramount. She warned that corruption among officers erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law, stressing that officers must serve and protect road users and the general public without resorting to corrupt behavior.
Director Othman cited a viral social media video in which a driver alleged that officers were soliciting bribes at checkpoints, claiming motorists were coerced into paying money to avoid fines or to secure the release of their vehicles.
“We are urging all officers to execute their duties with the highest level of integrity and professionalism. There is zero tolerance for any form of corruption,” she said.
Othman further cautioned that any officers found engaging in bribery, extortion, or other corrupt conduct would face swift action from the ACC. She emphasized that corruption at checkpoints undermines national efforts to promote safety and security for all citizens.
At Mange Checkpoint, Inspector Alimamy Israel Kamara thanked the ACC for engaging personnel and reaffirmed the police’s duty to protect citizens and facilitate safe passage rather than act outside the law.
“I have been reinforcing a culture of professionalism among my colleagues, and I promise to abide by the ACC Act,” he said.
Sergeant Mohamed Kamara, who oversees the Maforki Checkpoint, also welcomed the ACC’s initiative and pledged full cooperation in stamping out corruption. Officers stationed at Mile 18 and Rogbala-Lunsar checkpoints expressed similar commitments to uphold the law and maintain integrity at their posts.
The ACC stated that it will continue conducting unannounced monitoring and follow-up inspections to deter corrupt behavior and ensure compliance with established standards. Officers found culpable will be investigated and, where evidence exists, prosecuted under the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act.
The Commission further urged road users to report any incidents of extortion or bribery so that allegations can be investigated and perpetrators held accountable.
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