Authorities in Sierra Leone have confirmed that troops of the Guinean Armed Forces crossed into Sierra Leonean territory and detained several members of a joint security team during a border incident in Falaba District.
A press release issued Tuesday by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education said the incident occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026, in Kaleyereh town, Sulima Chiefdom. At the time, personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and the Sierra Leone Police were deployed in the area.
According to the government, the Sierra Leonean security team was engaged in making bricks for the construction of a border post and accommodation facility intended to strengthen operations along the frontier. Officials noted that the national flag of Sierra Leone had been hoisted in an area recognized as Sierra Leonean territory when Guinean troops entered the town.
The statement said Guinean forces apprehended several members of the joint security team, including an officer, and transported them across the border into Guinea. Their arms and ammunition were also reportedly seized during the operation.
Government authorities said diplomatic and security engagements are ongoing to determine the exact location of the detained personnel and to secure their safe and unconditional release. The incident has been formally communicated to national, regional, and sub-regional bodies as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and amicable resolution.
Officials further disclosed that a fact-finding mission has been constituted to visit the affected area, establish the sequence of events, and provide additional clarity as investigations continue.
