By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In an impressive display of leadership and dedication, Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), William Fayia Sellu, marked his second anniversary in office on July 27, 2024. Over these two years, IGP Fayia Sellu has singlehandedly carried the immense responsibility of policing Sierra Leone, achieving significant milestones in the process.
Appointed by President Julius Maada Bio on July 27, 2022, IGP Fayia Sellu took over from Ambrose Sovula and quickly set about addressing key challenges within the Sierra Leone Police. Despite the absence of a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) for a considerable period, IGP Fayia Sellu has demonstrated unwavering commitment and resilience in leading the force.
His tenure has seen substantial improvements in the welfare of police personnel. He addressed the backlog of rice supply and ensured continuous and timely distribution of quality rice to all serving members. Furthermore, he transformed the Police Hospital into a teaching hospital complex with decentralized services at regional levels, enhancing healthcare access for officers and their families.
Under IGP Fayia Sellu’s leadership, the SLP has prioritized capacity building through numerous training programs. With support from international partners, the Force has conducted training on electoral security management, the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and International Humanitarian Law, among others. Additionally, IGP Fayia Sellu has spearheaded the digital transformation of the SLP, introducing intercom systems at Police Headquarters and installing GPS in operational vehicles to improve efficiency and community access to police services.
IGP Fayia Sellu has made significant strides in gender empowerment, becoming the first IG to allocate a 100% quota to female personnel in the Formed Police Unit (FPU-5). He has also facilitated the deployment of female officers to international peace missions, including the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
The creation of new police divisions and the establishment of Filling Stations at regional headquarters have improved the operational efficiency of the SLP. With support from the Government, over 80 vehicles and five marine patrol boats have been procured, enhancing the force’s response capabilities.
He has successfully built strong collaborations with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to combat fraudulent activities and improve investigative processes. His tenure has also been marked by a commitment to instilling discipline within the force, with stringent measures against misconduct and a focus on regaining public trust.
IGP Fayia Sellu’s accomplishments have earned him recognition and respect both within the SLP and among the public. The recent appointment of Aiah Edward Samadia as the new DIG is expected to further strengthen the leadership team. As he continues to lead the SLP, his focus remains on upholding the core values of the organization and contributing to the peace and security of Sierra Leone.
In his two years in office, IGP Fayia Sellu has demonstrated exceptional leadership, transforming the Sierra Leone Police into a more efficient, disciplined and digitally advanced force, ready to tackle the evolving challenges of law enforcement in the country.
