Sierra Leone’s police leadership has ordered all officers to stop wearing military-style uniforms, following concerns raised by the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) over blurred distinctions between security services.

The directive, issued Aug. 19, 2025, came after the issue was discussed at a meeting of the National Security Council held at the Office of National Security (ONS) on Tower Hill in Freetown. During the session, the RSLAF raised concerns about what it described as the increasing use of military fatigues by non-military personnel, including some police officers.

According to the RSLAF, the practice had become frequent enough to risk confusion between institutions with separate legal and operational mandates.

In response, police commanders were instructed to ensure that all personnel wear only officially approved police uniforms and immediately stop using any military-style attire. The order was distributed to regional commanders, unit heads, and senior department officials.

The directive also warns that officers who fail to comply could face disciplinary action, including public embarrassment within the service.

Authorities have not disclosed how many officers were involved or why some adopted military-style clothing.

Security officials say the move is aimed at reinforcing the clear separation of roles between the police, responsible for internal law enforcement, and the armed forces, which handle national defence and territorial integrity.

Officials have not indicated whether further enforcement measures will follow, but the directive signals a stricter emphasis on professional boundaries within Sierra Leone’s security institutions.