By Edward Marah
Three years after taking command of the Sierra Leone Police, Inspector General William Fayia Sellu is credited with one of the most comprehensive reform drives in the institution’s recent history. Since assuming office in 2022, the IGP has earned a reputation for a “Talk and Do” leadership style centered on repositioning the SLP from a “Force” to a “Service” focused on welfare, professionalism, and community trust.
A major pillar of IGP Sellu’s tenure has been improving officers’ welfare. Healthcare services have been decentralized with new health centers established at all regional headquarters, including Kono, Lungi, and Mattru. The Police Hospital at Kingtom has been upgraded to a teaching hospital, and through a partnership with the Surgeons in Action Foundation, more than 700 free surgeries have been provided to officers and civilians.
On logistics, the IGP revitalized monthly rice distribution, procured six containers of uniforms with production now handled by the garment factory at Kingtom Police Barracks to cut costs for personnel, and reintroduced plans for a police bus service.
To restore discipline, he enforced a zero-tolerance policy on drug use under the 2001 Police Disciplinary Regulations and instituted strict measures against misconduct as part of efforts to rebuild public confidence.
Under Sellu, training has shifted from basic entry programs to continuous professional development. Officers now receive instruction in human rights, forensic investigation, election security, and intelligence-led policing.
The SLP has also expanded education support, sponsoring officers for tertiary studies in law, medicine, ICT, criminology, and public administration. Career progression is now guided by specialization and competence rather than favoritism.
In a historic first, IGP Sellu allocated a 100% quota to female personnel in the Formed Police Unit, FPU-5, and facilitated the deployment of female officers to international peace missions, including the African Transition Mission in Somalia, ATMIS.
The SLP has seen significant investment in equipment and technology. With government support, over 80 vehicles and five marine patrol boats have been procured.
Digitally, the force introduced intercom systems at Police Headquarters, installed GPS in operational vehicles, and began digitizing personnel records.
The long-dormant Smart City Project, launched in 2014, has been revived. The pilot in Freetown has installed 40 CCTV cameras at strategic points including Mile 38, with President Bio donating an additional 100 cameras to expand coverage.
In July 2026, IGP Sellu commissioned a state-of-the-art Transnational Organised Crime Unit Forensic Laboratory at Hastings. The facility is expected to strengthen scientific investigations into illicit drug trafficking and other transnational crimes. He also directed the reactivation of the forensic laboratory at Kingtom to ensure the SLP maintains full control of its forensic operations.
New police divisions have been created, filling stations established at regional headquarters, and work is underway on the Aberdeen Model Police Station, designed to embody professionalism and accessibility.
IGP Sellu has championed people-centered policing rooted in accountability, human rights, and partnerships. Local Unit Commanders are now required to spend more time in communities attending meetings and engaging residents.
The SLP has also built collaborations with Mobile Network Operators to tackle fraud and with UNDP, civil society, and traditional authorities to deepen trust.
To align with modern policing, the IGP has called for a review of the Police Act, Public Order Act, and Discipline Regulations.
For his leadership, IGP Sellu was honored by the Government of Sierra Leone in 2026 for “Outstanding Public Service Leadership.” He also received an Honorary Award of Distinction from Njala University for his contributions to national security, rule of law, and democratic governance.
A career officer since joining the SLP in 1993, IGP Sellu previously served as Chief Security Officer to the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, Director of Crime Services, Commandant of SILEA, and UN Peacekeeping Contingent Commander in Darfur.
As he continues to lead the force, IGP Sellu maintains that the goal remains clear: a more efficient, disciplined, and service-oriented Sierra Leone Police ready to meet evolving security challenges.