Kumasi: The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has successfully dismantled a notorious highway robbery syndicate, recovering high-powered weapons and ammunition in an intelligence-led operation that spanned the Ashanti, Northern, and Upper East regions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the operation was detailed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Joseph Hammond Nyaaba during a press briefing. He explained that the operation targeted a gang responsible for a series of coordinated roadblock robberies along the Obuasi-Manso Nkwanta-Nvinahin highway. Intelligence had identified a key suspect, Sumaila Munkaila, alias 'Guda,' linked to several violent robberies and hiding in Tamale.
A special police team was dispatched, leading to Munkaila's arrest in Vitin, Tamale, at 2055 hours on April 25. During interrogation, Munkaila confessed to being involved in multiple criminal activities, including highway robberies and a high-profile convoy attack. He named four accomplices - Umaro Musah, Tongude, Sumaila, and Berra - prompting further police action. That same night, police arrested Umaro Musah at Savelugu.
The suspects guided investigators to a location near Yizesi in the Upper East region, where their weapons were concealed. During the retrieval exercise on April 26, the police team was ambushed by unidentified assailants from nearby bushes. In the exchange of gunfire, both suspects and a police officer sustained injuries. The injured officer is currently receiving medical treatment.
Despite the assault, police retrieved a cache of weapons, including a CZ 805 assault rifle loaded with 14 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, an AK-47 rifle with 56 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a pump-action shotgun with BB cartridges, and a single-barrel gun. Four jackets, suspected to have been used in the robberies, were also recovered. Unfortunately, the injured suspects were pronounced dead upon arrival at the Tamale Government Hospital. Their bodies have been sent to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
DCOP Nyaaba stated that investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects. He praised the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved, highlighting the weapon recovery as a significant step towards improving highway safety.
In a related matter, DCOP Nyaaba addressed a viral video alleging the unauthorized use of a civilian vehicle by a police officer. Investigations revealed that the vehicle was unlawfully taken by a security guard, Samuel Odiko, who admitted the offence. Odiko was prosecuted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment by the Donyina Circuit Court after pleading guilty to stealing. The vehicle has been returned to its rightful owner.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to support law enforcement by providing timely and credible information. It also expressed gratitude to the media for its role in promoting public safety and accountability.