The Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS), the Ministry of Defence, and the Sierra Leone Police have presented their budget proposals for the 2026 fiscal year, outlining plans for significant recruitment drives and technological upgrades to bolster national security.

The presentations, made during ongoing budget discussions at the Ministry of Finance, highlighted a unified focus on creating what officials termed “people-centred” security forces.

Leading the submissions, Commissioner Joseph John Senessie of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service detailed a request for NLe 179,965,500. He outlined key achievements from the past year, including the recruitment of 1,000 officers and the construction of new correctional centres in Kamakwie and Mongo Bendugu.

For the coming year, Commissioner Senessie said the service plans to construct additional officer accommodations, procure industrial kitchen equipment, and implement an integrated prison management system to improve efficiency. He emphasized that these initiatives aim to enhance security, expand rehabilitation programs, and contribute to government revenue.

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The Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), represented by Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant-General Amara I. Bangura, presented a budget estimate of NLe 412,000. Lt. Gen. Bangura stated the ministry’s core mandate is to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens.

To fulfill this, he announced plans to recruit and train 1,500 new personnel. The ministry also aims to implement significant technological enhancements, including new communication systems, drones, and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. Infrastructure development, including the refurbishment of four barracks to improve soldier accommodations, was also highlighted as a priority.

Completing the trio of security sector presentations, Assistant Commissioner of Police Allieu Turay presented the Sierra Leone Police’s budget proposal of NLe 576,534.3. The police force plans to recruit 1,000 new personnel and modernize its operational capacity.

Key initiatives include upgrading the Police Garment Factory to provide uniforms, renovating the Police Headquarters and other key facilities. ACP Turay stated these measures are intended to ensure the police remain “professional, accountable, and fully equipped to protect citizens.” The force projected revenue of NLe 2,943,755 for the fiscal year.

The budget proposals will now be considered as part of the wider government’s budget formulation process.