Hillary Sao Kanu studied at the Fourah Bay College of the University of Sierra Leone and passed a bachelor's degree in Social Work.

[1] In July 1992, she joined the Sierra Leone Police as an investigator and was enlisted in the special branch in 1993.

[6] Her role for ATMIS started on 2 March 2023 with the aim to maintain security and stability in Somalia, train the local police force and provide equipment.

[7][8] In July, she awarded several medals to Nigerian police officers who completed their tour.

[9] She praised Sierra Leonean police officers who took part in the peace effort in Somalia during their ATMIS mission.