By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The Sierra Leone Police has officially commissioned the new Masingbi Divisional Headquarters in the North East Region, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to decentralize policing and strengthen community-based security across the country.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Sunday, reflects a strategic shift from centralized policing to a more localized approach aimed at improving police accessibility, faster response to incidents, and stronger collaboration with local communities.
Speaking during the ceremony, Regional Police Commander for the North East, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Esther Mary Kaintor Dukuray, described the establishment of the new division as part of the police’s broader strategy to enhance operational effectiveness and expand security services to underserved communities.
She noted that beyond increasing police visibility, the new divisional headquarters is expected to foster stronger relationships between law enforcement officers and residents through sustained community engagement, trust-building, and partnership in maintaining peace and security.
Traditional authorities and local leaders welcomed the initiative, describing it as a landmark development for the region. Paramount Chief Bai Kurr Kanagbarosanka III referred to the new headquarters as a historic achievement, highlighting Masingbi’s strategic importance as a gateway connecting several chiefdoms and districts. He expressed confidence that the permanent police presence would improve coordination, public safety, and service delivery across the area.
The area’s Member of Parliament and the Resident Minister also praised the establishment of the division, expressing optimism that it would promote greater accountability, improve public confidence in law enforcement, and bring policing services closer to the people.
Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu said the decision to establish the Masingbi Division followed extensive consultations with community stakeholders. He announced immediate logistical support for the division, including the deployment of two operational vehicles and six motorcycles to improve mobility and emergency response across the division’s area of responsibility.
The newly appointed Local Unit Commander, CSP Foday Sesay, pledged to implement a community-oriented policing strategy focused on regular patrols, rapid response to incidents, crime prevention, and collaborative problem-solving with local residents.
Representing the government, Deputy Minister David Fortune emphasized that sustainable security cannot be achieved by law enforcement alone. He called for stronger community participation in crime prevention efforts, encouraging residents to provide timely and credible information that would assist police investigations and help maintain peace within their communities.
While the commissioning has been widely welcomed, observers noted that the long-term success of the new division will depend not only on infrastructure and logistics but also on continued investment in personnel training, effective oversight, adequate resources, and sustained community engagement to build public trust and confidence.
The colourful commissioning ceremony featured cultural performances, including entertainment by Sierra Leone Police artiste Visionary Leeman alongside other local performers, symbolising the partnership between the police and the communities they serve.
The opening of the Masingbi Divisional Headquarters is expected to serve as a foundation for broader policing reforms aimed at improving public safety, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening community-centered policing throughout Sierra Leone’s North East Region.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 8th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
