Brigadier General K.F. Kanu, the current Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for Training, Doctrine and Education of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), has built a career distinguished by professional excellence, steady leadership and resilience in the face of challenges.
From his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant to his elevation to the rank of Brigadier General, K.F. Kanu has served in a range of critical command and staff appointments across the armed forces. One of his early landmark roles was as Commanding Officer of the Military Police Regiment while holding the rank of Captain. His performance in that position earned him successive promotions to Major and later Lieutenant Colonel, culminating in his appointment as Provost Marshal.
He was subsequently deployed to mainstream infantry duties as Commanding Officer of the 2 Infantry Battalion in the Eastern Region, then regarded as a politically sensitive area. During his tenure, he was widely commended for his professionalism and impartial conduct, earning respect from military colleagues and civilian stakeholders alike.
An alumnus of Njala University, Brigadier General K.F. Kanu also contributed to academia during his posting in Kenema. While serving as Commanding Officer, he offered voluntary part-time lectures at the university’s Faculty of International Relations, reflecting a commitment to mentorship and intellectual development within the broader national community.
Following the completion of his battalion command, he undertook an international peacekeeping assignment, where he served with distinction as Senior Military Police Adviser to a United Nations Force Commander and as Sierra Leone’s Senior National Representative in a major mission. His performance abroad further strengthened his professional profile and contributed to his promotion to Colonel.
Upon his return to Sierra Leone, he played a pivotal role in the development of a newly established brigade, serving as Chief of Staff during the 2023 general elections. In that capacity, he was involved in overseeing operational coordination during a critical period for national security.
Brigadier General K.F.Kanu later served as Director of Logistics at the Ministry of Defence and subsequently as Acting Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for Equipment Support. During the initial phase of the Armed Forces’ tri-service transition reforms, he was appointed Training, Education and Doctrine Commander (TRADOC). Under his leadership, the formation secured victory in the RSLAF inter-service drill competition just weeks after his appointment.
At one stage in his career, Brigadier General K.F. Kanu faced serious allegations. The matter was investigated by the military authorities, the Sierra Leone Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). According to official findings, he was cleared of the allegations following the investigations.
Today, as Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for Training, Doctrine and Education, Brigadier General K.F. Kanu continues to focus on strengthening professional standards, operational readiness and institutional development within the Armed Forces.
Observers note that his career trajectory reflects a blend of operational command, strategic leadership and commitment to national service, underscoring the evolving professionalism within Sierra Leone’s military establishment.
