The people of Kenema have welcomed with optimism the arrival of the newly transferred Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) for the Eastern Region, Brima Meinde, and the Local Unit Commander (LUC), Bob Musa Mansaray, who both assumed duty in early September 2025.
Speaking during an engagement with the press and community stakeholders recently, AIG Meinde emphasized that his leadership will be marked by a renewed sense of discipline, accountability, inclusiveness and proactive policing. He pledged to make Kenema a crime-free city, with a particular focus on tackling the alarming rise in drug-related crimes and substance abuse that have been devastating the youthful population.
“The safety of our people is non-negotiable. We will not sit by and watch criminality thrive in this city. Drug abuse is tearing families apart and destroying the future of our young people. We are here to restore law and order,” AIG Mainde declared.
LUC Mansaray, equally firmed in his commitment, stressed that his office will intensify community policing, night patrol and strengthens collaboration with residents to ensure criminals have no hiding place.
“The police cannot win this fight alone. We need the support of the community to identify perpetrators and bring them to justice. Together, we will make Kenema a model city of safety,” LUC Mansaray assured.
He said ‘as we speak there are over six hard core suspects under investigation for various offenses and will be charged to court after adducing enough evidence against them.’
He said the brutal murder case of the Late Catholic Father, Augustine Amadu is still on course and suspects are still helping police with investigations.
Both senior officers revealed plans to launch a special anti-drug taskforce, increase visibility patrols, and work with youth groups, schools, and religious institutions to combat drug abuse through both enforcement and sensitization.
Stakeholders, including local authorities, Local Policing Partnership Board, civil society groups, expressed strong support for the move, noting that drug-related crimes, particularly linked to the dangerous substance locally known as kush, have been a growing concern in Kenema.
As the Eastern Region Police Command settles into its new leadership, the people of Kenema are looking forward with hope that the combined efforts of AIG Brima Meinde and LUC Bob Musa Mansaray will usher in an era of peace, safety and renewed community trust in the police force.
