Freetown, 14 July 2025 — The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has officially bid farewell to its latest peacekeeping contingent, the Formed Police Unit 6 (FPU-6), as they prepare for deployment to Somalia under the African Union and United Nations Support Office in Somalia (AU/UNSOS) peacekeeping framework.
At a brief but symbolic ceremony held at the Senior Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu formally endorsed the advance team’s mission, commending the officers for successfully completing an intensive pre-deployment training program.
The training covered advanced weapons handling and tactical operations, all aligned with international peacekeeping standards.
In his remarks, IGP Sellu described the training as “rigorous and demanding” and reminded the officers of the weight of their responsibility.
“You are not just representing the Sierra Leone Police. You are representing your families, your communities, and the nation of Sierra Leone. I trust in your professionalism and your leadership to carry out this important task with integrity and discipline,” he said.
The IGP also singled out the contingent’s commander, Superintendent Ibrahim M.F. Samura, for praise, citing his reputation for strong leadership and discipline. “I have full confidence in your ability to lead this team and maintain the high standards expected of you,” he added.
Superintendent Samura, responding on behalf of the team, expressed gratitude to the IGP, the Executive Management Board of the SLP, and the Government of Sierra Leone for their trust and support. He assured all present that the officers would uphold the reputation of the Sierra Leone Police and serve with distinction in Somalia. “We are proud to represent Sierra Leone, and we will fly our green, white, and blue flag high,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by several senior officers, including the Head of Peacekeeping Operations, Assistant Commissioner of Police John Fayia Tumbay. Proceedings concluded with a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
