In a significant development aimed at strengthening cybersecurity efforts within Sierra Leone, the Attorney General Alliance – Africa (AGA) Programme has taken proactive steps to train 40 police officers in the country.

This strategic move is in direct response to the escalating challenges presented by cybercrime, necessitating the cultivation of a cadre of skilled professionals capable of effectively countering this threat.

Recently, the AGA-Africa Programme, under the leadership of Mr. John Edozie, conducted a courtesy visit to Mr. William Fayia Sellu, the Inspector General of Police, at the Police Headquarters in George Street, Sierra Leone.

During this visit, Mr. Edozie underscored AGA’s unwavering commitment to forging a partnership with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for the explicit purpose of organizing comprehensive training for these officers.

The central objective of this training initiative is to equip the carefully selected 40 police officers with the indispensable skills and knowledge indispensable for addressing the growing menace of cybercrimes, which have become increasingly prevalent within Sierra Leone.

Inspector General Fayia Sellu enthusiastically embraced this training endeavor, highlighting its urgency in light of the mounting presence of cybercriminal activities infiltrating Sierra Leone’s digital domain.

Acknowledging the existing obstacles faced in combating cybercrimes, including the scarcity of cyber labs and resources, IGP Sellu extended a warm welcome to AGA’s involvement, recognizing the pivotal role this training will play in empowering police personnel to effectively safeguard Sierra Leone’s cyberspace.

The AGA-Africa Programme, functioning independently from any specific country’s Attorney General’s Office, focuses on building partnerships with diverse stakeholders, encompassing law enforcement agencies, to combat a spectrum of transnational organized crimes, encompassing human trafficking, money laundering, counterfeit drugs, wildlife trafficking, and other cross-border illicit activities.

The collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police stands as a momentous stride toward cultivating trust, nurturing cooperation, and enhancing security not only in Sierra Leone but across the broader African continent.

As the landscape of cyber threats continues to evolve, the training of these 40 police officers assumes critical significance, serving as a pivotal step in safeguarding Sierra Leone’s digital realm and ensuring a future characterized by increased safety and security. The synergy between AGA-Africa and the Sierra Leone Police is poised to exert a substantial influence in the ongoing battle against cybercrime within the country.