Guinean Troops Cross into Falaba, Detain Sierra Leone Security Personnel
By: James Kamara-Manneh
The Government of Sierra Leone has confirmed that personnel of the Guinean Armed Forces crossed into the border town of Kalleyereh in Sulima Chiefdom, Falaba District, on Monday, 23 February 2026, and detained members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and the Sierra Leone Police.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday, the Sierra Leonean security personnel were engaged in making bricks for the construction of a border post and accommodation facility to support operations in the area at the time of the incident. The government stated that the Sierra Leone national flag had been hoisted within territory it recognizes as belonging to Sierra Leone.
During the encounter, Guinean troops reportedly apprehended several members of the joint security team, including an officer, and transported them across the border into Guinean territory. Their arms and ammunition were also seized.
The government said it is actively engaging through established diplomatic and security channels to confirm the whereabouts of the detained personnel and to secure their safe and unconditional release.
Authorities disclosed that the matter has been formally communicated to relevant national, regional, and sub-regional bodies, with efforts ongoing to ensure a peaceful and amicable resolution.
A fact-finding mission has been constituted to immediately visit the area to establish the sequence of events and provide further clarity on the situation.
The government assured the public that it remains fully seized of the matter and will provide updates as verified information becomes available.
