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The Sierra Leone Police, in partnership with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), has commenced a three-day specialised training programme in Freetown focused on strengthening the country’s response to human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants.
The training brings together investigators from across the country to enhance their skills in case handling, intelligence gathering, and cross-border collaboration to combat transnational organised crime.
The programme follows a courtesy visit by INTERPOL Regional Specialist Madam Baraka Dankassoua to Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu, during which both sides discussed improving intelligence sharing, strengthening law enforcement capacity, and enhancing coordinated responses to organised crime.
Speaking at the opening of the training, Madam Dankassoua described human trafficking as a growing and complex challenge affecting Sierra Leone and the wider West African region, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children.
She explained that the three-day programme is designed to equip investigators with practical skills and modern investigative techniques needed to identify trafficking cases, investigate criminal networks, and strengthen cooperation among law enforcement institutions.
Representing the Inspector General of Police at the opening ceremony, Deputy Inspector General Andrew Mustapha Kamara welcomed Madam Dankassoua and expressed appreciation for INTERPOL’s continued support in building the capacity of Sierra Leonean officers.
DIG Kamara reaffirmed that human resource development remains a key priority for the Sierra Leone Police, stressing that effective policing depends on professionalism, knowledge, and continuous learning.
He encouraged participants, including officers selected from various parts of the country, to make the most of the opportunity by actively participating, sharing experiences, and applying the lessons gained to their work.
Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, DIG Kamara said crimes such as human trafficking and migrant smuggling cannot be tackled by one country alone.
He pointed to previous successful joint border patrol operations with the Liberia National Police along the Mano River Union corridor, which resulted in several arrests, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation among ECOWAS member states.
DIG Kamara described human trafficking and migrant smuggling as highly profitable criminal enterprises that often target vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. He urged investigators to use the knowledge gained from the training to improve intelligence gathering, investigations, and victim protection efforts.
The Head of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Sierra Leone, Detective Superintendent Mohamed Sidibay, encouraged investigators to examine cases beyond their immediate appearance, noting that some crimes may contain hidden links to trafficking networks.
He explained that offences such as obtaining money by false pretences may sometimes involve broader organised criminal activities and require deeper investigation to uncover possible connections. He described the training as an important opportunity to sharpen investigative skills and deepen participants’ understanding of the evolving nature of transnational organised crime.
The Head of Training, DSP Alpha Kamara, also encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the programme and apply the knowledge gained to strengthen investigations, improve law enforcement responses, and better protect victims of exploitation.
