The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Peter Lavahun has told the usual weekly press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation on Tuesday that ‘there are no CCTV cameras installed at the army barracks in the country.
This revelation came in the wake of the attempted failed coup on Sunday November 26th, 2023 with the senior officer insisting that the experience gained from the incident will now enhance the military to consider the installation of CCTV cameras in all major directions.
The CDS said the coupists on November 26th, 2023 attacked the Murray Town, Cockril and Wilberforce Barracks and carted away with arms and ammunition they used in their operation. The army chief said that in Murray Town, a popular former ‘Leather Boot’ was the first to attack but was unfortunate as he was shot on the leg and died later. The CDS confirmed the death of 14 military officers died in the confrontation. He said 13 of the renegade military officers have been arrested while others are on the run. He said another officer who was in hiding at a location in Murray Town upon information received was arrested at a domicile after fire exchange on Tuesday November 28th, 2023.
The CDS also confirms the death of 1 police officer, 1 prison officer 3 assailants, 1 private security officer and 1 female. The acting Director General of the Correctional Service on his part, told journalists that there were 1,919 inmates at the Pademba Road Correctional Center, 100 female inmates at Special Court and 194 at Male Correctional Center at Special Court. He said 16 of the female inmates who ran away had shown up and 2 former officers who were named in the first coup have also surrendered. He said no one was killed in the prison attack and authorities are considering improving security conditions at the center.