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The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, held a solemn interfaith service at the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA) in Hastings to honour police officers who lost their lives during the civil conflict and in the line of duty thereafter.
The service recognised the ultimate sacrifices made by the fallen officers in service to humanity and the nation.
The commemorative event was attended by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr Chernor Bah; the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr William Fayia Sellu; the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mr Sahr Yomba Senesie; members of the Executive Management Board (EMB); senior police officers; and other key stakeholders.
Delivering a tribute, IGP William Fayia Sellu recalled that the idea for the interfaith service was proposed last year by the Minister of Information and Civic Education to His Excellency Brig. (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. He noted that the observance officially commenced on 14 January 2026.
The IGP emphasised that the occasion was not only meant to remember fallen police officers, but also to honour all those who lost their lives in the service of the nation. He described death as inevitable yet unpredictable, underscoring the deep pain associated with the loss of colleagues, including the recent death of three police officers in a road traffic accident.
He urged serving officers to continually commit their lives to God before leaving for duty and upon their return, stressing that policing is a demanding and high-risk profession that requires spiritual preparedness.
According to him, events of this nature serve as a reminder of the true meaning of service and sacrifice, while also motivating officers to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties.
The IGP expressed profound appreciation to the Minister of Information and Civic Education,Chernor Bah for gracing the occasion and thanked all attendees for their presence, while praying that the souls of the departed officers continue to rest in perfect peace.
Tributes were also delivered by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) for Freetown East, Brima Kanneh, and the Director of Operations, AIG John Martin Senesie. Both speakers highlighted the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of police officers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
Minister Chernor Bah, in his remarks, commended the courage of police officers, noting that during periods of conflict and civil unrest they often run towards danger while others flee.
Reflecting on his personal experiences during the civil war, he praised the SLP for its unwavering commitment to national security and thanked the IGP for organising what he described as a fitting and moving interfaith service. He further noted that fallen officers remain honoured members of the national family and are respectfully remembered by the Government of Sierra Leone.
The interfaith service climaxed with the laying of wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Sahr Yomba Senesie.
