In a bid to curb bribery and extortion at security checkpoints, the Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in the North-West region, Zainab Othman, warned security personnel deployed at the Mile 38 checkpoint to desist from corrupt practices or face the full force of the law.

She issued the stern warning during an engagement with police, military, forestry guards, and road safety personnel attached to the checkpoint, on 22nd October 2025.

Addressing the meeting, Md. Othman said the move was in response to numerous complaints and reports received from citizens alleging bribery and extortion by officers stationed at various checkpoints. She noted that these incidents do not only undermine the rule of law but also erode public confidence in the police and other security forces.

She reminded the officers that the law applies to all, and there would be consequences for those who choose to act unlawfully, adding that if the ACC continues to receive reports or find evidence of these corrupt practices, it would have no choice but to conduct sting operations to apprehend defaulters."There will be no safe haven for corrupt officers," she emphasized.

The Director underscored the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement and pointed out that the officers are mandated to serve the public and not to exploit them.

Explaining key corruption offences, Public Education Officer Mohamed Thullah, spoke on various forms of corruption in the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019, stressing the importance of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in the fight against corruption.

He made a clear presentation of offences in the Act, citing Offering, Soliciting and Accepting Advantage, Soliciting an Advantage for a public officer, Misappropriation of Public Funds /Property, Abuse of Office/Position, Conspiracy to Commit a Corruption Offence among others.

Earlier, Senior Public Education Officer Junisa Sankoh said the engagement aimed at raising awareness about corruption, including practices that undermine public trust and security at the checkpoint.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ansumana Fatorma, thanked the ACC for the engagement and pledged to support the fight against corruption.

Jonathan Kobba of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority also registered similar sentiments and promised to uphold professionalism and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties.