The Office of National Security (ONS) has issued a strong warning to private security companies in Sierra Leone that are operating without valid licences. The statement, released on 13 October 2025, said the office has observed a growing trend of individuals and groups running private security services without the required approval.
According to the ONS, operating a private security company without a licence is a serious offence under the National Security and Central Intelligence Act, 2023.
Section 31(1) of the law states that no individual, group, or corporate entity is allowed to run a private security service in Sierra Leone without a licence issued by the ONS.
Section 31(8) further explains that anyone who operates without a valid licence commits an offence and may face a fine of at least 50,000 Leones or imprisonment of not less than five years, or both.
The ONS said it will enforce the law to ensure all private security companies comply. It also advised members of the public and organisations to check the legal status of any private security company they want to hire.
The office reminded the public that a licence issued to a private security company is valid across the entire country, and no company has the authority to charge clients for obtaining an operational licence.
The ONS stressed that this announcement serves as a warning to all private security providers and their clients to follow the law.
“You have been warned!” the release concluded.
The statement was signed by Abdul Karim Will, Director of Strategic Communication at the ONS.
