Sierra Leone’s army has dismissed several instructors and a recruit from its training centre near Waterloo for allegedly selling drugs to trainees, military officials said on Monday.
An internal situation report from the Armed Forces Training Centre (AFTC), seen by Public review , said the general security situation in the area of responsibility was calm but “maximum security alertness” had been maintained during the period.
The document named eight non-commissioned officers and a private who were removed from service after recruits identified them as being involved in supplying drugs inside the camp. One sergeant was demoted, while a recruit was also expelled.
Army spokespersons were not immediately available for comment on the report, but a senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the disciplinary action was intended to “send a clear message” that drug trafficking within the ranks would not be tolerated.
The report warned that the sale and use of drugs inside the training facility had become “alarming” and called for stronger oversight to protect new soldiers.
Sierra Leone’s armed forces, restructured after the country’s 1991-2002 civil war, have in recent years sought to tighten discipline and professional standards across their units.
By Ibrahim Bangura
