Two suspects have been arrested at a large illegal dredge fabrication site in Mayata Village, near the Pampana River in Sierra Leone’s North-East region, following a joint enforcement operation by environmental authorities and security forces.
The raid was conducted by the Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), with intelligence reportedly provided by local community members.
Authorities said the suspects were apprehended at a site where a large dredging machine was being constructed, allegedly for illegal mining operations along the Pampana River corridor. The area has long been considered a hotspot for unlawful dredging and other environmentally harmful mining activities.
According to the EPA, the Pampana River corridor presents one of the most difficult enforcement zones in the North-East due to the persistent presence of illegal dredging operations that threaten river ecosystems, water quality, and the livelihoods of nearby communities.
The agency praised the coordinated response between its Northern Regional team and national security partners, describing the operation as a demonstration of the effectiveness of joint enforcement efforts in protecting Sierra Leone’s natural resources.
Officials also acknowledged the vital role played by community whistleblowers whose timely information helped authorities locate the illegal dredging operation before the equipment could be deployed into the river.
Environmental experts warn that unregulated dredging in major rivers such as the Pampana can cause serious ecological damage, including riverbank erosion, destruction of aquatic habitats, and contamination of water sources relied upon by rural communities.
The EPA has reiterated its commitment to strengthening monitoring and enforcement efforts across vulnerable river systems. The agency is also urging citizens to support the fight against environmental crimes by reporting suspicious mining or dredging activities.
Members of the public with credible information are encouraged to contact the nearest EPA office or call the agency’s hotline 1999.
Authorities say investigations into the Mayata incident are ongoing, and further arrests could follow as efforts continue to dismantle illegal dredging networks operating in the region.
The EPA emphasized that protecting Sierra Leone’s rivers and ecosystems remains a national priority and called on communities, traditional leaders, and security agencies to remain vigilant.
