Sierra Leone’s security agencies have intensified their search for Umarr Sheriff and alleged international drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers. This confirmation was made during AYV’s State of the Nation programme on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The intensified efforts aim to locate the individuals as part of ongoing investigations into suspected drug trafficking activities.
Threat of Organized Trafficking
Abdul Karim Will stated that international drug trafficking networks are often highly organized, possessing the resources and expertise to infiltrate institutions and exploit weaknesses in national security systems. Will emphasized the need for prompt and credible intelligence exchange among security agencies to identify suspects, intercept illegal shipments, and dismantle the networks responsible for cross-border drug supply. "It is important that sensitive information is communicated promptly to help curtail the drug supply chain," Will said. He further noted that "These individuals are organized and know how to penetrate systems. That is why the ONS is equally organized and prepared to counter their activities." Will also appealed to the public, stating, "I am calling on the public to assist us with information about the whereabouts of Jos Leijdekkers," and adding, "If you have any information about Umarr Sheriff or Jos Leijdekkers, whom we are currently looking for, we encourage you to share that information with the relevant authorities."
Security Agency Response
Abdul Karim Will, Director of Strategic Communications at the Office of National Security (ONS), confirmed the intensified search for Umarr Sheriff and Jos Leijdekkers. Speaking on AYV’s State of the Nation programme, hosted by journalist Umaru Fofana, Will stated, "We are officially looking for Umarr Sheriff, and we are also looking for Jos Leijdekkers in Sierra Leone." Will assured the public that Sierra Leone’s security architecture remains coordinated and prepared to respond effectively to such threats. "These individuals are organized and know how to penetrate systems. That is why the ONS is equally organized and prepared to counter their activities," he said. Will also appealed for public assistance, urging, "If you have any information about Umarr Sheriff or Jos Leijdekkers, whom we are currently looking for, we encourage you to share that information with the relevant authorities."
Public Cooperation Sought
Abdul Karim Will appealed to members of the public, urging them to provide credible information that could assist authorities in locating Umarr Sheriff and Jos Leijdekkers. "I am calling on the public to assist us with information about the whereabouts of Jos Leijdekkers," Will stated, adding, "If you have any information about Umarr Sheriff or Jos Leijdekkers, whom we are currently looking for, we encourage you to share that information with the relevant authorities." The Office of National Security maintained that public cooperation, effective regional coordination, and the timely sharing of intelligence are essential to disrupting organized drug trafficking networks and protecting Sierra Leone from transnational criminal activities.
Regional Collaboration
Sierra Leonean security authorities have engaged in joint operations with their Liberian counterparts, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing regional security concerns. The cooperation between the two nations' security agencies shows the transnational nature of organized crime, particularly in the context of drug trafficking. Such joint efforts are deemed key for effective intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement actions across borders. This collaboration aims to disrupt illicit networks and prevent the movement of alleged traffickers and contraband within the West African sub-region. The ongoing operations reflect a shared commitment to enhancing regional stability and combating criminal activities that pose a threat to both countries.