Freetown, Sierra Leone – June 19, 2025 – The Office of National Security (ONS) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have issued a final reminder to all citizens and foreign residents to obtain their biometric National or Non-National Identification Cards ahead of the August 31, 2025 deadline.
During a joint press briefing, National Security Coordinator Abdulai Caulker and Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu announced that a nationwide “stop and check” operation will soon commence to ensure compliance. Failure to present a valid ID card may result in legal repercussions.
“National security and identity verification are non-negotiable,” Caulker stated. “Whether citizen or foreign resident, anyone without a valid biometric ID will face the full force of the law.”
IGP Sellu reinforced the directive, clarifying that police services—including clearance certificates and character checks—will now require mandatory ID verification.
“This is compulsory,” he declared. “No biometric ID, no service.”
To facilitate last-minute registrations, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), confirmed that mobile registration units have been dispatched across all regions.
He also warned that ID card fees will increase after the deadline due to rising production costs, urging the public to register immediately to avoid higher charges.
Launched by President Julius Maada Bio in January 2023, the biometric ID system strengthens national security, streamlines service delivery, and ensures accurate identification.
A valid biometric ID is now mandatory for accessing government and financial services nationwide.
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