Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio says calm returned to Freetown, the capital city following a security breach at the Wilberforce Military Barracks by some unidentified armed individuals who attacked the armoury.

In a statement by his office, Bio praised the combined team of security forces which repelled the attack.

While the Head of State made no mention of any casualties, he assured citizens of maximum security, urging them to stay indoors as a sweep operation gets underway to hunt down the attackers.

‘The PEACE of our beloved NATION is PRICELESS and we shall continue to protect the peace and security of Sierra Leone against the forces that wish to truncate our much-cherished stability’ he said.

President Julius Maada Bio reiterated his government’s determination to protect  democracy in Sierra Leone and encouraged Sierra Leoneans to unite towards this collective responsibility.

The statement comes nearly 12 hours after gunshots were heard in strategic places including near the presidential lodge in the early hours of today, Sunday, November 26, 2023.