AWOL: Captain Ishmail T. Bangura

Captain Ishmail T. Bangura of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has not been seen since late March this year. According to reports, he has been Absent Without Leave (AWOL).

According to sources, Captain Bangura’s disappearance could not be unconnected to the very hostile posture of state security forces, especially the army, after the November 26, 2023 failed coup, as relatives of Captain Bangura, particularly his uncle and cousin (army officers), were arrested and interrogated regarding the coup.

After his disappearance, this medium tried to locate Captain Bangura’s wife, who neighbours said parked out of her house shortly after her husband disappeared.

One neighbor, who begged for her name not to be published, said that police and military officers have been coming to Captain Bangura’s house, even after he was taken away for questioning regarding his involvement in the attempted coup.

After the November 26 coup, the law enforcement authorities, notably the police, have been arresting anyone suspected of taking part in or having knowledge about the November 26 coup that caused the Pademba Road Correctional Center jailbreak.

Many army officers and some civilians are being tried for the November 26 coup.

As at press time, the whereabouts of Captain Bangura is not known.

There have been many reports of arrests, detention, and sometimes extra-judicial killings in connection with the failed November 26 coup.