Freetown, 15 June 2026 – The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr William Fayia Sellu, at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, Freetown.
The delegation was led by Mr Fazil Akin Erdogan, TIKA Project Expert, who expressed his satisfaction with the strong partnership and cooperation between the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and TIKA. He also conveyed his hope for the continued strengthening of this collaboration.
Welcoming the delegation to Sierra Leone, IGP Sellu wished them a pleasant stay in Freetown and highlighted existing training gaps within the Police.
He emphasised that specialised training in home and workplace search techniques would significantly enhance officers’ investigative skills and support the effective administration of justice.
The IGP expressed optimism about future training partnerships with TIKA and noted that the visiting international police training team would facilitate a five-day course on judicial search techniques for SLP personnel.
Following the courtesy visit, the delegation proceeded to the Atlantic Hotel in Aberdeen to officially launch the training programme, which is aimed at strengthening the capacity of investigators from various units of the SLP to conduct professional and effective searches.
The training programme, scheduled to run from Monday, 15 June to Friday, 19 June 2026, is being held at the Atlantic Hotel, Lumley Beach. Participants include investigators drawn from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), Interpol, the Family Support Unit (FSU), and Integrated Intelligence Services (IIS).
In his opening address, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr Sahr Yomba Senesie, commended TIKA for sponsoring the initiative, noting that the training would equip officers with essential skills for conducting effective searches of homes and workplaces in accordance with judicial standards and best practices.
DIG Senesi described the training as a significant milestone for the SLP and expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills acquired would enhance the operational effectiveness of participants and their respective units.
He encouraged attendees to actively engage in the sessions and to share the expertise gained with colleagues who were unable to participate.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of the SLP leadership to continuous capacity building, emphasising that a well-trained Police officer is fundamental to effective policing and improved service delivery. The training forms part of the leadership’s broader efforts to enhance professionalism and strengthen policing services across the country.
SLP Media Team
