By Mohamed Lamin Banya
The Sierra Leone Police is set to benefit from a major training opportunity from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, as Sierra Leone continues to gain recognition for its peaceful environment.
The offer was announced during a courtesy visit by TiKA Country Director, Mirzet Muezzinoglu, to Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu at the Senior Officers Mess in Kingtom, Freetown.
Muezzinoglu praised Sierra Leone as one of the most peaceful countries in Africa, noting that it stood out among ten African nations he recently visited. He described the country’s level of peace and stability as “second to none” and commended the police for their role in maintaining internal security.
He revealed that TiKA has now established an operational office in Freetown and is offering the Sierra Leone Police access to over 100 specialized training modules provided by the Turkish Police. The initiative aims to strengthen professional capacity within the force.
Responding, IGP Sellu welcomed the offer, describing capacity building as essential for effective policing. He said the training aligns with the government’s Human Capital Development agenda under President Julius Maada Bio.
Sellu also highlighted the changing nature of crime, noting that areas such as cybercrime, forensics, and human trafficking have become increasingly important in modern policing.
He assured the TiKA delegation of the police force’s readiness to engage with the training programme, emphasizing the need for continuous professional development.
The visit marks a step forward in strengthening cooperation between Sierra Leone and Turkey, particularly in enhancing the capacity of the country’s security sector.
