By Emma Black
The Sierra Leone police (SLP) on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, held a solemn interfaith service at the Sierra Leone peacekeeping and law Enforcement academy (SILEA) in Hastings to honour police officers who lost their lives during the civil war and in the line of duty in the years that followed.
The ceremony was held in recognition of the ultimate sacrifices made by fallen officers in the service of the nation and humanity, and as part of ongoing national remembrance activities.
The commemorative event attracted high-level dignitaries, including the minister of Information and civic education, Mr. Chernor Bah; the Inspector general of police (IGP), Mr. William Fayia Sellu; the deputy inspector general of Police (DIG), Mr. Sahr Yomba Senesie; members of the executive management board (EMB); senior police officers; and other key stakeholders.
In his tribute, IGP William Fayia Sellu disclosed that the idea for the interfaith service was proposed last year by the minister of information and Civic Education and subsequently presented to His Excellency Brigadier (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio, president of the republic of Sierra Leone, he noted that the observance officially commenced on 14 January 2026 and was intended to honour not only fallen police officers, but all citizens who lost their lives in service to the nation.
The IGP described death as inevitable yet unpredictable, acknowledging the deep pain associated with the loss of colleagues, he referenced the recent tragic death of three police officers in a road traffic accident, describing it as a painful reminder of the risks faced daily by law enforcement personnel.
He urged serving officers to continuously commit themselves to God before and after duty, stressing that policing is a demanding and high-risk profession that requires spiritual strength, discipline, and preparedness, according to him, ceremonies of remembrance serve as a powerful reminder of the true meaning of service and sacrifice, while motivating officers to remain dedicated in the discharge of their responsibilities.
IGP Sellu expressed appreciation to the minister of Information and civic education for attending the service and thanked all participants for honouring the fallen officers, he concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed heroes.
Further tributes were delivered by the Assistant Inspector general of police for Freetown East, AIG Brima Kanneh, and the director of operations, AIG John Martin Senesie, both officers highlighted the courage, professionalism, and selfless commitment of police personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
delivering the keynote remarks, minister Chernor Bah commended the bravery of police officers, noting that during times of conflict and civil unrest, they often run toward danger while others seek safety, reflecting on his personal experiences during the civil war, he praised the Sierra Leone police for their unwavering commitment to protecting lives and maintaining national security.
The Minister thanked the inspector general of Police for organising what he described as a fitting and emotionally moving interfaith service. He emphasized that fallen police officers remain honoured members of the national family and continue to be remembered with dignity and respect by the government of Sierra Leone.
The interfaith service concluded with the laying of wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by the deputy inspector general of police, DIG Sahr Yomba Senesie.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 26th January 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
