Freetown, 31st December 2025- The Chairman of ECOWAS and President of Sierra Leone has expressed deep concern over lapses in security at his official residence, after a thief managed to scale the perimeter fence and gain access to the kitchen.
Speaking during an end‑of‑year dinner with the Presidential Guard Force and staff, the President described the incident as a serious breach that exposed weaknesses in the protection of the country’s leadership.
“We have had serious security breaches here at the Presidential residence. We have had someone who has passed through all your barriers, including scaling the fence and going to the kitchen. That is a serious security breach,” he warned.
The intruder, whom the President dismissed as “an ordinary useless thief,” reportedly entered the kitchen to steal rice. But the President stressed that the implications were far more dangerous.
“The individual was an ordinary useless thief who came to steal rice. If he wanted to go to my room he could have done so, because he had already accessed the building. Which means some people are not doing their work,” he said.
The President urged the guards to treat their role as both a privilege and a responsibility, reminding them that carelessness could cost lives. He referenced past tragedies, including the loss of personnel at Cockrill, to underscore the risks of lax security.
He cautioned that the job of protecting the nation’s leadership is one of the most difficult, as “the enemy will always take advantage of your mistakes.” Guards, he said, must remain alert, disciplined, and committed to their duty at all times.
The President issued what he called a “standing order,” directing that any future attempts to breach security should not be taken lightly. He emphasized that guards are well‑trained and must uphold the highest standards of vigilance.
Despite his stern warning, the President also expressed appreciation for the work of the Guard Force throughout the year, acknowledging their sacrifices and urging them to see their service as an opportunity to contribute to national stability noting that lapses, however small, cannot be tolerated.
