Seventeen people, including five women and one minor, have been arrested for alleged illegal mining, unlawful entry into a protected area and related offences inside the Outamba-Kilimi National Park (OKNP).
The suspects were picked up during a targeted law enforcement patrol carried out on Thursday, 27 August 2026, by officers of the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) and the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF).
The operation formed part of ongoing efforts to shield Sierra Leone’s national parks and other protected areas from destructive activities.
A specialised task force led by the NPAA Executive Director and the Authority’s Law Enforcement Manager conducted the patrol. Personnel from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) provided support.
All 17 suspects are now in custody. The five women are currently assisting police with investigations at the Regional Police Headquarters, North East, in Makeni.
NPAA’s Law Enforcement and Compliance Manager confirmed that the entire group will be charged to court once police complete their inquiries.
The Executive Director described the arrests as a clear warning to anyone engaging in illegal activities within Outamba-Kilimi National Park. He stressed that the Authority will continue to intensify enforcement operations to protect the environment and preserve the integrity of the country’s national parks.
The latest action highlights the renewed determination of the authorities to stamp out illegal mining, unauthorised entry and other offences inside protected areas.
The NPAA has restated its commitment to working closely with the security forces and local communities to safeguard Sierra Leone’s natural resources for present and future generations.
