By Emma Black
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has officially dispatched its sixth Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingent, FPU-6, comprising 160 highly trained officers, for a peacekeeping mission in Somalia. The unit, which includes 30% female officers, is set to depart on Friday, July 25, 2025.
The contingent was formally presented to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. William Fayia Sellu, during a send-off ceremony at the SLP Headquarters in Kingtom.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) John Fayia Tumbay, Head of Peacekeeping, explained that the selection process began with over 800 applicants. Following an initial physical screening, 300 candidates were shortlisted. After intensive mission-specific training and evaluations, 160 officers were selected for deployment, he noted.
AIG Andrew Mustapha Kamara, Director of Training, commended the contingent for their dedication and resilience during the rigorous training process. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in their international peacekeeping role.
You’ve undergone demanding training, and much is expected of you. Uphold professionalism and make Emma Sierra Leone proud, he urged.
In his keynote address, IGP William Fayia Sellu congratulated the officers on their selection and stressed the importance of teamwork, discipline, and respect for authority during the mission.
The mission environment will be challenging and unpredictable, but unity and adherence to the chain of command will guide you, always maintain professionalism, he advised.
The IGP also highlighted the importance of staying connected with family, you’re heading to a distant land, but your family your spouse and children are your priority. Stay in touch and don’t let the mission overshadow your personal responsibilities, he cautioned.
While pledging full support from the SLP leadership, the IGP issued a stern warning against misconduct. Any act of indiscipline or disrespect toward your commanders will face severe administrative consequences, we support you, but only when you do what is right, he emphasized.
Deputy Contingent Commander, DSP Kabia, delivered a vote of thanks, assuring that FPU-6 would uphold professionalism and represent Emma Sierra Leone with honor.
This deployment underscores the SLP’s continued commitment to international peacekeeping and reinforces its growing reputation on the global stage.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,25th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
