Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 24, 2026 – In a developing border conflict between Sierra Leone and Guinea, RSLAF Defense Spokesperson Air Commodore Hassan Sei Coomber has publicly confirmed the arrest of several Sierra Leonean security personnel by Guinean military forces.
The statement, made during an interview on Radio Democracy earlier today, highlights escalating tensions at the Kailayah border point in Falaba District.
Coomber detailed that the incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday, February 23, 2026, at Kaliyereh Village in Sulima Chiefdom, which Sierra Leone maintains is within its territory.
According to his account, RSLAF personnel established a checkpoint, prompting objections from Guinean troops who claimed the area as part of Guinea and demanded GPS coordinates to verify the border. Despite the dispute, Sierra Leonean forces proceeded, leading to the arrests.
The spokesperson reported that a total of 13 individuals were detained: 11 military personnel and two Operational Support Division (OSD) officers from the Sierra Leone Police. They were subsequently transported to Conakry, Guinea’s capital.
Coomber emphasized that the checkpoint was on Sierra Leonean soil and described the arrests as a direct result of the territorial disagreement. While no direct quotes from the interview were immediately available in secondary reports, his confirmation aligns with eyewitness accounts and circulating videos showing affected personnel recounting the events.
This response from Coomber represents the first official acknowledgment from the RSLAF, amid growing public concern.
Social media footage, including videos shared by Sierra Leonean politician Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, depicts injured officers describing the confrontation. One lieutenant in the footage alleged severe injuries, including a stab wound near his eye, and claimed Guinean forces “carpeted all our colleagues, including our captain identified as Francis.” An OSD officer added, “They have captured our men; this is not a joke anymore,” highlighting fears of further escalation.
The RSLAF has not outlined specific next steps in Coomber’s statement, but sources indicate ongoing diplomatic engagements to secure the release of the detained personnel. As of Tuesday afternoon, no official statements have been issued by the Guinean government or the broader Sierra Leone administration beyond this confirmation.
This incident echoes historical border frictions between the two nations, such as the unresolved Yenga dispute dating back to 2002, where Guinean forces occupied Sierra Leonean land post-civil war. Recent joint commissions in 2025 aimed to clarify boundaries, but progress remains limited.
Analysts suggest ECOWAS mediation may be necessary to prevent further incidents, given the potential impact on regional stability and trade.
Local communities in Falaba District report increased anxiety, with calls for swift resolution. The RSLAF continues to monitor the situation, and updates are expected as diplomatic channels activate.
