By Sallieu S. Kanu
January 7, 2026: The Sierra Leone Police (SLP), in collaboration with partner institutions, has stepped up its safety and Right of Way (ROW) enforcement operations across major congestion-prone corridors in Freetown’s western area.
In the early hours of Wednesday, enforcement teams descended on Cantonment Road and Riverside, towing away stationary and abandoned vehicles that had long obstructed traffic flow. Authorities said the vehicles were a major contributor to congestion, forcing pedestrians onto the carriageway and endangering lives.
The operation is part of the government’s 2026 road safety and public order agenda, which seeks to decongest highways, reduce accidents, and reclaim public spaces unlawfully occupied.
Multi-Agency Effort
The exercise was led by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Dr. John Martin Senesi, Director of Operations, supported by a multi-agency team. The team included officers from the Road Safety Corps, Local Unit Commanders from the Central and Congo Cross Police Divisions, personnel from the Operational Support Department (OSD) Headquarters, and technical staff from the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA).
In addition to vehicle removals, structures illegally erected on designated ROW corridors were identified and marked. Occupants have been given a two-week grace period to vacate voluntarily, after which demolition will commence in line with the law.
Commitment to Public Safety
Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu, who later joined the operation, reaffirmed the SLP’s commitment to public safety. He stressed that enforcement of road regulations and ROW laws is non-negotiable, noting that reclaiming roads and walkways is vital for traffic management, emergency response, and urban safety.
SLRA Director General Engineer Kanneh echoed the importance of inter-agency collaboration, warning that continued encroachment on ROW not only worsens congestion but also undermines road durability and public safety.
Authorities confirmed that operations will continue in other identified hotspots, including Sir Samuel Lewis Road and surrounding areas. The government has vowed to intensify efforts to ensure safer roads and strict compliance with ROW regulations.
Members of the public are urged to cooperate with enforcement teams, remove abandoned vehicles, and desist from erecting structures on road reserves, as nationwide safety operations remain ongoing.