By Samuel Ofori Boateng, GNA
Bekwai (Ash), April 29, GNA – The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has dismantled a notorious highway robbery syndicate and recovered high-powered weapons and ammunition following an intelligence-led operation spanning three regions.
At a press briefing, the Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Joseph Hammond Nyaaba, said the operation covered the Ashanti, Northern and Upper East regions.
He explained that the operation targeted a gang believed to be responsible for a series of coordinated roadblock robberies along the Obuasi–Manso Nkwanta–Nvinahin highway.
According to DCOP Nyaaba, intelligence identified a key suspect, Sumaila Munkaila, also known as “Guda,” who was linked to several violent robberies and was hiding in Tamale.
A special police team was deployed, leading to his arrest at Vitin, a suburb of Tamale, at about 2055 hours on April 25.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted his involvement in multiple criminal activities, including highway robberies and a high-profile convoy attack.
He further mentioned four accomplices — Umaro Musah, Tongude, Sumaila and Berra — prompting further police action.
Later that night, police arrested Umaro Musah at Savelugu.
The two suspects subsequently led investigators to a location near Yizesi in the Upper East region, where weapons used during their operations had been concealed.
However, during the retrieval exercise on April 26, the police team came under gunfire from unidentified assailants believed to have been hiding in nearby bushes.
In the ensuing exchange of fire, both suspects sustained gunshot wounds, while a police officer was also injured and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Despite the attack, police retrieved a cache of weapons and ammunition, 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 during the robberies were also recovered.
The injured suspects were rushed to the Tamale Government Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
Their bodies have since been deposited at the Bekwai Municipal Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
DCOP Nyaaba said investigations were ongoing, with intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects currently at large.
He commended the bravery and professionalism of officers involved in the high-risk operation, describing the recovery of the weapons as a major step towards improving safety on the country’s highways.
In a related development, DCOP Nyaaba addressed a viral video alleging the unauthorised use of a civilian vehicle by a police officer.
He said investigations revealed that no police officer was involved, explaining that the vehicle had been unlawfully taken by a security guard, Samuel Odiko, who later admitted the offence.
He said Odiko was prosecuted by the Donyina Circuit Court and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to stealing.
The Commander said the vehicle had since been returned to its rightful owner.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged the public to support law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information.
It also expressed appreciation to the media for its continued role in promoting public safety and accountability.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Lydia Kukua Asamoah