By Emma Black
In a significant move to modernize its approach to cybercrime, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has deepened its partnership with the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC) following a high-level engagement held at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom.
The meeting, chaired by Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu, focused on strengthening collaboration between both institutions to enhance cyber investigative capabilities and address growing digital security threats.
Key discussions centered on capacity building, with particular emphasis on upskilling SLP personnel engaged in cyber investigations. The delegation from the NCCC, led by Mr. Richard Redwood-Sawyer, Director of Cybersecurity Resilience, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting the police with technical expertise, training, and standardized protocols.
We recognize the crucial role of the Sierra Leone Police in national cybersecurity enforcement, Redwood-Sawyer said, our goal is to ensure cyber investigators are equipped with clear procedures and the right tools to protect the digital space.
He outlined plans to introduce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cyber units and expand security awareness training, both of which are integral to the Centre’s strategy to build national resilience against cyber threats.
SLP cyber unit leaders welcomed the engagement but raised concerns about resource constraints, skill gaps, and outdated tools that continue to hamper the efficiency of cyber investigations. They strongly advocated for advanced, hands-on cybersecurity training tailored to emerging threats.
In response, IGP Sellu praised the initiative and stressed the urgency of institutional collaboration in addressing the complexity of cybercrime.
Cybersecurity is now a frontline concern for law enforcement, he stated, we must act swiftly and strategically. I am directing ASP David Mbayo, our Head of ICT, to ensure active coordination with the NCCC going forward.
The meeting marks a pivotal moment in the SLP’s digital transformation agenda and lays the groundwork for structured training programmes, shared intelligence efforts, and improved digital infrastructure within the police force.
This renewed partnership positions the Sierra Leone Police to take a more robust and proactive stance in securing the country’s cyber environment.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,8th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
