By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Police has commenced a nationwide safety and enforcement operation in line with President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s proclamation of 2026 as the Year of Action. The operation is aimed at improving road safety restoring public order and enforcing the Right of Way across key locations in the Western Area and beyond.
The action officially began on Tuesday 6 January 2026 and is being led by the Inspector General of Police Mr William Fayia Sellu with full support from the police high command. According to the police the operation is firmly anchored in the Sierra Leone Police Strategic Development Plan particularly Goal One which focuses on enhancing public safety and reducing crime.
Police authorities explained that the enforcement exercise gives practical meaning to specific interventions under the Strategic Development Plan including measures targeting crime reduction improved traffic management and stronger road safety enforcement. The initiative is intended to translate policy commitments into visible action that directly affects the daily lives of citizens.
As part of the operation IGP Sellu and his command team supervised the removal of makeshift and illegal structures constructed on the Right of Way and beneath the Hill Cut overhead bridge. These structures were said to have obstructed free vehicular movement contributed to traffic congestion and posed serious safety risks to both motorists and pedestrians.
During the exercise the police also dismantled an illegal settlement discovered in the same area. Authorities revealed that the settlement had allegedly been used as a base for drug related activities including trade and trafficking. The police described its removal as a necessary step to protect community safety and strengthen national security.
The enforcement drive was later extended to IMATT Regent and areas surrounding the American Embassy where unregulated timber trading activities had taken over sections of the Right of Way. Police said these activities had become a major source of congestion and had exposed road users to avoidable danger especially during peak traffic hours.
According to police officials reclaiming the Right of Way is essential to ensuring smoother traffic flow reducing accidents and improving the overall safety of public spaces. They emphasized that roads and bridges are meant for transportation and public use and not for illegal trading settlements or construction.
The Sierra Leone Police has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the operation across the country stressing that the initiative is not a one off exercise but part of a broader long term strategy. The force said similar actions will continue nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen law enforcement reclaim public spaces and address crime in line with government policy.
Residents and road users have been urged to cooperate fully with the police and comply strictly with traffic and safety regulations. The police warned that illegal occupation of the Right of Way will no longer be tolerated under the Year of Action.
As visible enforcement measures continue the police say the goal is to build safer roads more orderly communities and increased public confidence in law enforcement. Authorities believe that sustained collaboration between the police and the public will be critical to achieving lasting safety and development outcomes throughout 2026 and beyond.
