By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s security forces took a major step towards greater interagency cooperation today with a landmark workshop at the Police Wives Association Multi-Purpose Hall in the Kingtom Police Barracks, Freetown.
The event brought together high-ranking officials from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), and other national security institutions to strengthen collaboration and promote unified strategies for national security.
The workshop, described as “pivotal” by its organizers, marked a new chapter in the country’s security evolution, aiming to eliminate operational silos and foster a spirit of teamwork among the nation’s core defense and law enforcement bodies.
The Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, opened the session with a compelling call for a united approach to national security. Reflecting on the historical structure of Sierra Leone’s security apparatus, he noted that in the past, the Police and Military operated in isolation, with each reporting separately to the President. This fragmented approach, he said, often led to inconsistencies in communication and operational inefficiencies.
“This is a very significant moment for us all,” IG Sellu stated. “Historically, our security structure was dominated by the Police and the Military, yet each reported independently, creating disparities in the information relayed to the President. That disjointedness must give way to unity.”
The Inspector General emphasized that the challenges of the modern security landscape—from cybercrime to terrorism and cross-border threats—require a concerted, coordinated response from all security agencies.
Adding momentum to the day’s message was Chief of Defense Staff, Major General Amara I. Bangura, who laid out plans for similar joint workshops to be held across all six of Sierra Leone’s provincial headquarters. His remarks underscored the military’s commitment to building lasting partnerships with other security agencies.
“Togetherness will strengthen the bond between the police and the military,” said Major General Bangura. “We must share resources, expertise, and strategic objectives if we are to raise our security standards and respond effectively to the complex challenges we face as a nation.”
He urged security agencies to shift from viewing one another as rivals and instead embrace a model of mutual support and collaboration. According to Bangura, fostering trust and teamwork between agencies will not only enhance operations but also help heal long-standing institutional divisions.
Attendees included senior officers from the National Fire Force, Correctional Services, the Office of National Security (ONS), and representatives from civil society groups. Discussions centered around information sharing, operational coordination during emergencies, and joint training initiatives.
Participants agreed that building a culture of collaboration must extend beyond leadership and trickle down to operational units across the country. Several noted that coordinated deployments during recent national emergencies had already shown the benefits of unified action.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to developing a national interagency strategy that will standardize communication, training, and tactical response procedures across all security institutions.
As Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its security infrastructure in the face of growing regional and domestic threats, today’s workshop stands as a testament to the country’s resolve to foster unity and resilience through cooperation.
