Sierra Leone News: Fourteen Security Companies Operating Illegally

By Rima Turay

The Office of National Security (ONS) has said that 14 private security companies “do not hold any licence issued by the ONS and are therefore ILLEGAL”.

ONS said in statement on Thursday that this discovery was made government following a joint inspection of private security companies (PSCs) to determine their level of compliance with national laws and regulations.

The inspection was conducted by the Office of National Security (ONS) in collaboration with the National Revenue Authority (NRA), National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Sierra Leone Police (SLP); and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).

Section 19(1) of the National Security and Central Intelligence Act (NaSCIA), 2002 states that “no person shall operate a private security company unless such person holds a licence issued by the ONS”.

The private security company found wanting of operating illegally include: Pacific Protection Services, TUMAC Security Agency, Grand Prestige Security Company, Michelle Security Agency, GP Security & Logistics Ltd., May-Map Security Company, Dragon Security Agency, Shaw Security Services, Hamzie Protection Services, Infantry Protection Security Agency, Unique Security Agency (USA) SL, Concern Security Agency, Provincials Security Agency , and Stand Firm Security Agency.

ONS said, “While considering appropriate legal actions against them, we want to strongly advise the general public not to contract the services of these illegal companies. Any member of the public who contracts their services does so at his/her own risk.”

“We further solicit the support and cooperation of the general public in ensuring that the above-stated PSCs do not continue to operate anywhere in Sierra Leone. We wish to encourage all prospective clients to always ascertain the legal status of PSCs by requesting for the ONS licence before signing any contracts with them,” it said.