Authorities in southern Sierra Leone are investigating a suspected palm oil diversion scheme after law enforcement officers intercepted multiple vehicles believed to be transporting palm oil allegedly siphoned from shipments belonging to Socfin Agricultural Company (SL) Ltd., one of the country’s largest palm oil producers operating in Malen Chiefdom.
The incident, which unfolded in Bo District, has sparked questions about the security of agricultural supply chains and raised concerns over how the matter was subsequently handled by law enforcement officials.
Police reportedly stopped a truck and two vans at the Ngelehun Police Checkpoint in Tikonko Chiefdom after receiving intelligence that the vehicles were carrying large quantities of palm oil suspected to have been illegally diverted from legitimate shipments.
Following the interception, the vehicles were escorted to the Sierra Leone Police West Division headquarters in Bo for further questioning and examination of the cargo.
Sources familiar with the situation said the operation formed part of efforts to clamp down on the growing problem of palm oil theft affecting plantations and processing operations owned by Socfin Agricultural Company (SL) Ltd. in Malen Chiefdom.
The company manages extensive oil palm estates and processing facilities in the region and is considered a major contributor to Sierra Leone’s agricultural economy through employment generation, export revenue, and infrastructure development.
Investigators believe the intercepted vehicles may be linked to a broader network suspected of illegally siphoning palm oil from tanker trucks transporting cargo from Socfin’s facilities to the capital, Freetown.
According to sources, the alleged operation involves tanker drivers who divert portions of palm oil during transit and sell it to roadside buyers before continuing their journey to their official delivery points.
The suspected transactions are said to occur along the Lungi–Koribondo road corridor, where buyers reportedly wait with containers to purchase the oil at reduced prices before transporting it to nearby trading centres.
Communities such as Koribondo and Jiama have been mentioned in connection with the alleged distribution chain, where the palm oil is reportedly consolidated before being transported to markets in Bo and other urban centres.
Sources indicated that the suspected diversion operation came under scrutiny following intelligence reports about unusual late-night activities along the Lungi–Koribondo road.
On the night of Thursday, February 19, 2026, individuals reportedly acting on the intelligence visited a roadside location where a suspected transaction had allegedly taken place earlier that evening.
At the scene, investigators reportedly discovered several blue metal drums and yellow plastic containers scattered along the roadside. Some of the containers were said to be filled with red palm oil while others appeared empty and possibly awaiting filling.
Witnesses also reported seeing a red Serena van bearing registration number AQQ166 parked nearby.
The vehicle was allegedly linked to a businesswoman believed to be involved in transporting the oil to Koribondo town, where it would later be collected and transferred to other vehicles for onward distribution.
Several days after the discovery of the containers, police reportedly intercepted three vehicles carrying large quantities of palm oil at the Ngelehun checkpoint on Monday, February 23, 2026.
The vehicles were then taken to the Bo West Division Police Headquarters where officers began preliminary inquiries into the origin and ownership of the palm oil.
Law enforcement sources indicated that the operation was intended to determine whether the products had been unlawfully diverted from shipments belonging to Socfin Agricultural Company (SL) Ltd..
However, the situation has since become controversial following allegations from individuals close to the investigation who claim the case may not have been fully pursued.
According to those sources, the matter fell under the oversight of the Assistant Inspector General of Police for the Southern Region, Andrew Mustapha Kamara.
An anonymous insider alleged that financial inducements may have influenced the handling of the case, using the Krio phrase, “Na money dae stop nonsense,” to suggest that monetary considerations may have affected the outcome.
Sources further claimed that the three vehicles and their cargo were released less than 24 hours after being taken into police custody.
The release reportedly occurred on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, without a comprehensive inventory of the palm oil recovered or a confirmed verification of its ownership.
Critics argue that the oil was allegedly identifiable as belonging to Socfin Agricultural Company (SL) Ltd. and should have been retained as evidence pending a thorough investigation.
Observers have also compared the situation with a previous case in which suspected stolen diesel intercepted at the Bo Regional Garage was reportedly held for a longer period before any decision on its release was taken.
The apparent difference in handling has further fueled speculation about possible irregularities in the palm oil case.
The controversy has led to calls from civil society observers and analysts for a full and independent investigation into the events surrounding the interception of the vehicles at the Ngelehun checkpoint.
Several commentators have urged the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police to examine the circumstances under which the vehicles and their cargo were released.
They argue that a transparent inquiry could determine whether any misconduct, corruption, or procedural failures occurred and help restore public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
Importance of Protecting Agricultural Investments
Analysts note that Sierra Leone’s economic growth strategy relies heavily on agricultural investment and agro-processing industries.
Companies such as Socfin Agricultural Company (SL) Ltd. play a significant role in the sector by creating employment opportunities and contributing to national export earnings.
However, persistent theft from plantations and supply chains continues to pose a major challenge to agricultural operations across the country.
Socfin has previously raised concerns about the loss of palm fruits and processed palm oil through pilfering and diversion, calling for stronger enforcement measures and community engagement initiatives to address the issue.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police for the Southern Region were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
Media sources indicated that the office currently maintains a closed-door policy toward journalists, limiting access to official comment.
Until authorities provide further clarification, the incident continues to generate debate about the effectiveness of existing safeguards protecting businesses operating in Sierra Leone and the transparency of law enforcement procedures when dealing with alleged economic crimes.
Observers say the outcome of any future investigation could prove crucial not only for resolving the immediate controversy but also for strengthening trust between investors, communities, and the institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law.