IGP William Fayia Sellu Distributes Christmas and New Year Gifts to Citizens.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr William Fayia Sellu, on Monday, 22 December 2025, distributed Christmas and New Year gifts to citizens across Freetown as a gesture of appreciation for their immense contributions to the maintenance of peace, security, and tranquillity in their respective communities.
The distribution exercise commenced at the historic Cotton Tree and continued through key locations including King Harman Road, Congo Cross, Lumley Roundabout in western Freetown, before proceeding to Up Gun Roundabout, Shell New Road, Texaco Junction, and Jui Junction in the eastern part of the capital.
The initiative underscored the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) transition agenda from a force-centred institution to a service-oriented police organisation that places people at the centre of policing. It also served as an innovative platform for public engagement and awareness during the festive season.
Each gift bag contained a mug/cup, a pen, and a fan, all bearing key public safety and regulatory messages to guide citizens’ conduct during the yuletide period. The cautionary messages included the following:
In addition, designated parking spaces will be provided at Lumley and Aberdeen beaches for beachgoers, while towing vehicles will be deployed to ensure strict compliance with parking regulations.
– No loud music or noise after 10:00 p.m. (Section 13 of the Public Order Act, 1965)
– No street processions or carnivals without written permission from the Inspector General of Police (Section 17 of the Public Order Act, 1965)
– No firing of guns, rockets, or throwing of fireworks (Section 6 of the Public Order Act, 1965)
– Fireworks are prohibited throughout Sierra Leone
– No driving under the influence of alcohol (Section 102 of the Road Traffic Act, 2007)
– No driving of unregistered vehicles (Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act, 2007)
– Vehicles with G-plates or Temporary Vehicle Registration (TVR) must not ply the roads after 6:00 p.m.
– Vehicles must be used strictly for their registered purpose
– “Okada” operations are prohibited within the Central Business District of Freetown
– Mask devils and masquerades require written police clearance
– Religious bodies and organisations require written permission for street processions
The Inspector General of Police, on behalf of the Sierra Leone Police, extended warm Christmas greetings to the general public and wished all citizens a bright and prosperous New Year in 2026.
Citizens who received the gifts expressed appreciation, describing the initiative as unprecedented in the country’s history. Many noted that it represents an effective and timely means of disseminating vital public safety messages, particularly on the dos and don’ts during the festive season.
SLP Media Team
