By: Saidu Jalloh
Security forces stationed at the Gbalamuya Checkpoint intercepted and seized over 1,000 explosive devices on October 12, 2024, in collaboration with the National Revenue Authority’s (NRA) Anti-Smuggling Unit.
These explosive devices were handed over to Lieutenant Colonel John Kainessie, Commanding Officer of the 11th Infantry Battalion in Kambia, for protective custody. The handover took place at the Old Customs Building in Gbalamuya and was attended by key security personnel, including Local Unit Commander (LUC) Superintendent Murana Kamara and Kambia District Coordinator of the Office of National Security (ONS) Joshua Bockarie.
The explosive devices are now safely stored at the 11th Battalion Headquarters, while the police’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has launched an investigation into the matter. This seizure marks a crucial step in the ongoing crackdown on illegal activities at the Gbalamuya Customs Border and underscores the collaborative efforts of the NRA Anti-Smuggling Unit, the police, and the ONS.
Gbalamuya Checkpoint serves as a major border crossing between Sierra Leone and Guinea, with hundreds of people using the route daily to transport goods. Some local residents are calling on authorities to enhance security measures at the crossing to prevent illegal activities.
