39 Sierra Leoneans Intercepted at Gbalamuya Border in Kambia District for Suspected Irregular Migration

39 Sierra Leoneans Intercepted at Gbalamuya Border in Kambia District for Suspected Irregular Migration

In a desperate move in search of greener pasture, a group of 39 young people all men were intercepted on the 25^th. June 2025 by the Sierra Leonean border guards along the Gbalamuya crossing point in Kambia district, north of Sierra Leone while trying to enter neighboring Guinea allegedly in search of jobs in the Chinese companies operating in Republic of Guinea.

According to the guards stationed in the border, the 39 men were said to come from Campbell Town in Waterloo, a peri-urban settlement close to the capital city of Freetown who were trying to go through the border with no valid traveling documents in pursuit of job opportunity in Guinea or beyond.

According to the Local Unit Commander of the Sierra Leone Police in Kambia Police division, his team halted the attempted border crossing to ensure the safety of the individuals and uphold the integrity of cross-border regulations. He furthered that they will temporarily place these individuals in protective custody at the Kambia Police Divisional Headquarters while investigations will continue in order to unearth the real intent, motives and above all the networks behind this initiative and the potential risks surrounding illegal migration.

In his statement, the Northwest Regional Police Commander, AIG Joseph Lahai, sternly cautioned them against engaging in unlawful migration practices. He urged them to seek proper travel documentation before considering cross-border movement and to uphold peace and order until their repatriation process is concluded.

He assured them that security and administrative arrangements are in place to facilitate their safe return to their respective communities. He emphasized the importance of legal travel procedures as a means of protecting citizens from exploitation and unforeseen dangers.

Self Help and Development Everywhere (SHADE-Sierra Leone) has the only safe home in Kambia district to provide housing facility to survivors of trafficking and also sexual and gender-based violence. The safe home has a capacity for 24 people designed to accommodate only women and children who are at risk of been trafficked or victims of gender-based violence including FGM.

Plans have been done by the regional command of the Sierra Leone police and partners for the reunification of these people with their families.