State Protection Service Issues New Security Directives for Ministers
The State Protection Service (SPS) has issued new security directives urging government ministers to comply with protocols governing the protection of President Julius Maada Bio and other designated Very Important Persons (VIPs).
In a notice dated 23 July 2026, the SPS said the National Security and Central Intelligence Act 2026 grants the agency the sole legal mandate to provide protective security for the President and other designated VIPs.
Under the new measures, ministers are required to ensure that their assigned Personal Security Officers (PSOs) remain outside SPS-protected areas unless expressly authorized, comply with SPS access control, accreditation and screening procedures, refrain from carrying firearms within protected zones, and obey all lawful instructions issued by SPS personnel.
According to the SPS, the directives are aimed at strengthening command and control, enhancing coordination among security personnel, and ensuring the safety of the President and all persons attending events under SPS protection.
The agency also announced that it will introduce mandatory VIP protection training for security officers assigned to ministers. Officers who successfully complete the training will continue serving under SPS supervision, while those who fail or do not participate will be redeployed to other duties within their respective security institutions.
