By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s Honourable Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to deepening cross-border security collaboration during a high-level engagement with the Inspector General of the Liberian National Police (LNP), Honourable Gregory O. W. Coleman, who is undertaking a four-day working visit to Sierra Leone.

In his capacity as Chair of the Sierra Leone Police Council, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh held strategic discussions with IGP Gregory O. W. Coleman on Tuesday, 18th November, 2025. The meeting focused on strengthening joint policing efforts, enhancing intelligence cooperation and protecting citizens across the Mano River Union. He emphasized that Sierra Leone and Liberia share longstanding historical, cultural and family bonds that must be reflected in deeper and more strategic security cooperation.

The Vice President commended IGP Gregory O. W. Coleman for his dedication to advancing regional security coordination, stating that both countries must work closely to counter the growing threats posed by transnational and cross-border crimes. He reiterated Sierra Leone’s readiness to support a collaborative framework that prioritizes safety, trust and coordinated law enforcement in the sub-region.

IGP Gregory O. W. Coleman’s official visit forms part of a broader effort to solidify operational ties between the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the LNP. His delegation included senior Liberian police officials: Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jallah Nelson Freeman; Commissioner of Intelligence, Johnny Dean; Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence, Olu Briggs; Chief of International Relations, Sam K. Collins; Chief of the Police Support Unit, Malachi S. Kolubah and Head of the Formed Police Unit, Christopher Roberts. They were received in Freetown by Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, alongside members of the Executive Management Board (EMB).

Following his meeting with the Vice President, IGP Gregory O. W. Coleman engaged the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., for a high-level dialogue on national and regional justice-sector reforms. Discussions focused on tackling transnational crime within the Mano River Union, improving cross-border justice mechanisms and sharing experiences on police and legal-sector reforms. The Attorney General stressed the importance of sustained cooperation, noting that the geographical proximity and shared socio-political history of both countries demand strong partnership.

As part of his engagements, the Liberian Police Chief visited the Senior Officers’ Mess, currently serving as the temporary office of the SLP Inspector General, where he was honoured with a Guard of Honour Parade. A subsequent technical meeting with EMB members provided the Liberian delegation with a detailed briefing on the administrative and operational framework of the SLP. The SLP’s organizational structure, presented through its organogram, impressed the visiting team due to its clarity and strong supervisory systems.

Both delegations observed that while differences exist between the two policing systems, there are significant similarities in operational procedures, creating opportunities for joint initiatives. The Liberian delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Liberian Ambassador to Sierra Leone.

IGP Gregory O. W. Coleman’s visit will continue with further engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral policing cooperation, fostering knowledge exchange and promoting joint strategies to ensure safer, more resilient communities across the Mano River region. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-holds-strategic-talks-with-liberian-police-chief-to-boost-cross-border-security/