By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu | Bo City
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has donated four brand-new motorbikes to the Sierra Leone Police in the Southern Region to strengthen the operations of the Family Support Unit (FSU) and improve responses to gender-based violence, domestic abuse, sexual offences and other crimes against vulnerable persons.
The motorbikes were officially handed over on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Regional Police Headquarters South in Bo City. The donation was facilitated through the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, as part of efforts to improve police mobility and expand access to justice and protection services.
The provision is expected to enhance the operational capacity of FSU officers, particularly those responsible for handling sensitive cases involving women, children and other vulnerable members of society.
In communities where long distances and inadequate transportation often delay the reporting, investigation and follow-up of cases, the motorbikes are expected to help officers respond more promptly and reach victims who may struggle to access police stations.
Taiama, Bradford, Moyamba and Shenge are among the locations expected to benefit from the donation. The motorbikes will help improve the mobility of FSU personnel, enabling them to visit affected communities, investigate complaints, conduct follow-up visits and provide assistance to victims.
Improved transportation is particularly important in cases involving domestic violence, sexual offences and child abuse, where delays in police intervention can affect victim protection and the investigation process.
The donation is therefore expected to reduce logistical challenges facing officers and improve access to specialized police services in remote and underserved communities.
The four motorbikes were received on behalf of the Southern Region Police Command by the Deputy Regional Police Commander South, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mrs. Fatty Jebbeh Daboh Kamara, who represented the Regional Police Commander South, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Joseph Ibrahim Lahai.
She received the motorbikes from a delegation that travelled from Freetown for the official handover.
Also present was Sub-Inspector Abass Kargbo, Training Coordinator of the Family Support Unit at Police Headquarters in Freetown. His participation underscored the importance of strengthening the capacity of FSU officers to carry out their specialized responsibilities effectively.
The handover marks a significant step towards improving logistical support for police personnel serving communities across the Southern Region.
Speaking on behalf of the Southern Region Police Command, Regional Support Officer South, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Osman Kamara, expressed appreciation to the UNDP for its support in strengthening the operational capacity of the Sierra Leone Police.
He also commended Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu for ensuring that the Southern Region benefited from the donation.
ASP Kamara’s remarks highlighted the importance of partnerships between law enforcement institutions and development partners in providing the resources needed to deliver effective public services.
The donation also recognizes the importance of logistical support in enabling police officers to carry out their duties efficiently, particularly when responding to cases involving vulnerable individuals.
The Family Support Unit plays a critical role in addressing cases involving domestic violence, sexual offences, child abuse and other forms of gender-based violence.
Its work requires timely intervention, careful handling of complaints and effective engagement with victims and affected communities. However, inadequate transportation can limit officers’ ability to respond quickly, particularly in areas far from police facilities.
The newly donated motorbikes are expected to help address these challenges by making it easier for FSU personnel to travel between police stations and communities, follow up on reported cases and support investigations.
Improved mobility could also strengthen the visibility of the unit and encourage public confidence in the police, particularly among women, children and other vulnerable persons who require specialized assistance.
The donation highlights the role of development partnerships in strengthening public institutions and improving access to essential services.
By providing additional transportation resources, the UNDP is supporting efforts to enhance police operations in an area that demands professionalism, sensitivity and timely responses.
The intervention also underscores the importance of ensuring that operational resources reach officers serving communities where access to police services may be limited.
However, the long-term benefits will depend on the effective management, maintenance and deployment of the motorbikes.
The Southern Region Police Command has stressed the importance of using the motorbikes strictly for their intended official purposes.
Officers and locations benefiting from the donation are expected to exercise discipline and accountability in managing the equipment. Regular maintenance and responsible use will be essential to ensuring that the motorbikes remain operational and continue to support police activities.
Meanwhile, members of the public, particularly women, children and other vulnerable persons, are encouraged to report cases of abuse, violence and other criminal offences to the appropriate police authorities.
The Family Support Unit remains a key point of contact for complaints involving domestic abuse, sexual offences, child protection and related matters requiring specialized police attention.
The donation of the four motorbikes is expected to strengthen the operational reach of the Sierra Leone Police in the Southern Region and improve the Family Support Unit’s ability to serve communities.
For residents of Taiama, Bradford, Moyamba, Shenge and other areas expected to benefit, improved police mobility could make it easier to report cases, access assistance and receive timely support.
The success of the initiative will ultimately depend on whether the motorbikes help officers respond more quickly, support investigations and improve the protection of victims.
With the UNDP’s support and the Police Command’s responsibility to ensure proper use of the equipment, the donation represents a practical step towards making policing services more accessible and responsive, particularly for vulnerable people in remote communities.