The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has officially welcomed back 163 police officers who recently completed international peacekeeping assignments in Somalia and South Sudan under the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) mandates.
The returning team includes 158 members of the Formed Police Unit (FPU) and 5 Individual Police Officers (IPOs), all of whom were received during a ceremony held at the Officer’s Mess in Kingtom, Freetown. The event marked a moment of celebration, gratitude, and reintegration as the officers returned home to resume service and reunite with their families.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu congratulated the officers for their professionalism and discipline while serving abroad. He praised their contribution to international peace and security and noted that their experience abroad would serve as a vital resource in strengthening domestic policing.
In his address, the IGP provided updates on key developments within the SLP, particularly the ongoing institutional shift from a “Force” to a “Service.” This transformation, he said, is driven by a broader goal of enhancing community-oriented policing and improving public trust.
“The transition is not just symbolic—it’s structural. We are changing the culture and systems of the SLP, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to focus more on community engagement and professional service delivery,” IGP Sellu stated.
He also highlighted the SLP’s ongoing partnerships with foreign embassies and international agencies, which are creating new local and overseas training opportunities for personnel.
While commending the officers for their service, the IGP also urged them to remain active and committed within the force. He cautioned against the practice of disconnecting from the SLP after international missions and encouraged returnees to apply their knowledge and exposure to strengthen the institution.
“Peacekeeping missions are not just about representing Sierra Leone—they are about learning, growing, and coming back to uplift our police service. Your experience abroad is an asset. Use it to transform your departments and mentor others,” he added.
Representatives of the returning officers expressed their appreciation for the support received during their missions and reaffirmed their loyalty to the values and mission of the SLP.
The event concluded with warm welcomes and renewed commitment to national service.
