AYV News, June 17, 2026
A delegation from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), William FayiaSellu, at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, Freetown.
The delegation, led by TIKA Project Expert Fazil Akin Erdogan, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation between the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and TIKA and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership.
In response, IGP Sellu welcomed the delegation and highlighted existing capacity gaps within the Police, stressing the need for specialised training in home and workplace search techniques to enhance investigative efficiency and support the administration of justice.
He expressed optimism about continued collaboration with TIKA and noted that the visiting international police training team would facilitate a five-day course on judicial search techniques for officers of the SLP.
Following the courtesy visit, the delegation proceeded to the Atlantic Hotel in Aberdeen to officially launch the training programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of investigators from various units of the Sierra Leone Police.
The training, which runs from June 15 to 19, 2026, is being held at the Atlantic Hotel, Lumley Beach, and brings together participants from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), Interpol, Family Support Unit (FSU), and Integrated Intelligence Services (IIS).
In his opening remarks, Deputy Inspector General of Police Sahr Yomba Senesie commended TIKA for sponsoring the initiative, describing it as a significant step in enhancing professional policing standards in Sierra Leone.
He noted that the training would equip officers with essential skills for conducting lawful and effective searches of homes and workplaces in line with judicial standards and best practices.
DIG Senesie encouraged participants to fully engage in the training and to cascade the knowledge gained to colleagues within their respective units.
He further reaffirmed the Police leadership’s commitment to continuous capacity building, emphasising that well-trained officers are critical to effective policing and improved public service delivery across the country.
