Spain’s Home Affairs Attaché Visits Sierra Leone Police Chief to Strengthen Security Collaboration

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. William Fayia Sellu, has received Mr. Carlos V. Gobiet Lopez, the Home Affairs Attaché of the Spanish Embassy resident in Guinea, at Police Headquarters in Kingtom as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in law enforcement.

According to Mr. Lopez, the visit was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration between Spain and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), particularly in the fields of investigations and training. He expressed Spain’s interest in supporting the SLP to enhance its operational capacity in response to evolving security challenges.

Welcoming the Spanish official, IGP Sellu expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the SLP’s willingness to engage in meaningful partnerships that would improve the effectiveness of policing in Sierra Leone. He noted that the dynamics of crime are rapidly changing and emphasized the need for continuous capacity building within the police force.

The IGP disclosed that the SLP would formally outline its priority needs to the Spanish authorities as a basis for structured cooperation. He identified forensic investigation and cybercrime as two critical areas requiring urgent improvement. According to him, specialized training in crime detection and prevention would significantly enhance the force’s ability to combat modern crimes.

IGP Sellu further stressed the importance of sustaining a long-term working relationship with Spanish law enforcement agencies, particularly in addressing crimes that pose threats to both countries.

Both officials also discussed regional and transnational security concerns, including the growing threat from the Sahel region. They acknowledged the link between terrorism and drug trafficking and underscored the importance of international collaboration to mitigate the risks posed by these criminal networks.

The visit marks another step in strengthening international security partnerships aimed at improving policing standards and addressing emerging security threats in Sierra Leone and the wider West African region.