IGP Directs Increased Police Presence in Southern Province Amidst Rising Armed Robberies

IGP Directs Increased Police Presence in Southern Province Amidst Rising Armed Robberies

Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu has initiated a performance audit of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in the Southern and Eastern Regions, aiming to restore public trust and bolster security in the face of escalating crime, particularly armed robbery.

During engagements with police personnel, IGP Sellu emphasized the critical need for proactive policing, urging officers to prioritize regular patrols and enhance their visibility. He reminded them of their constitutional oath, cautioning that public confidence erodes when the police react only after challenges have escalated. 

Police visibility must be paramount for effective security services, he stated, instructing Local Unit Commanders to strengthen collaborations with Local Policing Partnership Boards and Tasking and Coordinating Groups (TCGs).

The IGP also highlighted the growing menace of drug-related crimes, identifying them as a significant threat to community peace and stability. He called upon officers to intensify efforts by improving community relations and fostering collaborative approaches to prevent insecurity in Bo, Kenema, and surrounding areas.

In Kenema, IGP Sellu held a crucial meeting with stakeholders following the tragic armed robbery and killing of Reverend Father Augustine Dauda Amadu, a Catholic priest. He encouraged open discussions among community members to devise preventative measures against similar future occurrences.

Stakeholders at the meeting lauded the police chief's intervention and voiced concerns about the need for additional police stations, citing Kenema's rapid growth into a major city. They also expressed dismay over the swift release of hardened criminals after being charged, who then pose a continued threat to society.

Concluding the meeting, IGP Sellu thanked stakeholders for their frank contributions, noting that their concerns underscored the importance of community involvement and the expansion of police infrastructure to enhance visibility and effectiveness.

This performance audit and series of stakeholder engagements are integral to the SLP leadership's ongoing commitment to strengthening accountability, elevating policing standards, and forging stronger partnerships with the public for improved safety and security.