Upper East Police Dismantle Armed Robbery Network, Arrest Seven Suspects in Coordinated Operation

The Upper East Regional Police Command has successfully dismantled a criminal network responsible for a spate of armed robberies across the northern region, securing the arrest of seven suspects aged between 20 and 41 years old. The operation, which targeted the towns of Zebilla, Garu and Binduri, represents a significant breakthrough in tackling organised crime in the area and demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative policing strategies.

The arrested individuals—Issaka Iddrisu, Ali Tamimu, Akugre Amobila, Banabas Apiiga, Abdul-Rashid Adamu, Apiiga Alebena, and Bilal Adabodee—have all confessed to their involvement in armed robbery operations, according to a statement from Chief Inspector Abdul-Raman Sumaila, the Police Affairs Officer for the Upper East Regional Police Command. The confessions have linked the suspects to a broader criminal enterprise involving multiple gang members operating across the region.

Details of the Criminal Operation

Two victims have formally identified members of the gang as perpetrators of armed robberies targeting them at gunpoint. In separate incidents, the victims lost two Yamaha scooter motorbikes valued at GH¢30,000.00 and GH¢32,000.00 respectively. The robbers allegedly threatened both victims with death should they report the crimes to authorities, a intimidation tactic designed to prevent investigations.

During interrogation, the suspects revealed critical details about their operations. They disclosed that weapons used in the robberies were supplied by another individual currently based in Bawku, whose identity police have withheld pending further investigation. This supplier is believed to be a central figure in equipping the robbery network with firearms, suggesting a more sophisticated criminal structure than initially apparent.

Police searches of three suspects' residences—Abdul-Rashid Adamu, Apiiga Alebena and Bilal Adabodee—yielded significant evidence. Officers recovered two unregistered motorbikes, quantities of suspected hard drugs, and GH¢29,550.00 in cash believed to represent proceeds from their criminal activities. The recovery of unregistered vehicles reinforces suspicions that the gang was engaged in organised theft operations extending beyond simple armed robbery.

Why This Matters for Ghana

This arrest signals important progress in tackling armed robbery in Ghana's Upper East Region, an area that has historically experienced security challenges. The coordinated effort between the Police Intelligence Department, the newly established Black Cobra Unit, and local Neighbourhood Watch Community groups demonstrates a shift towards intelligence-driven policing and community collaboration—approaches increasingly vital for modern crime prevention.

The existence of a weapons supplier network operating from Bawku raises broader questions about arms trafficking within Ghana's northern regions, a persistent national security concern. The identification of this supply chain could inform wider investigations into how criminals access firearms, a critical step in disrupting organised crime at its roots. For residents of Zebilla, Garu and Binduri, the operation should provide some reassurance about police responsiveness to reported crimes, though the threat posed by the yet-unidentified weapons supplier indicates ongoing security work is needed.

Legal Proceedings Ahead

The Bolgatanga Circuit Court has remanded all seven suspects into police custody. They are expected to reappear before the court on September 23, 2026, when proceedings will continue. The cases will likely inform how Ghana's judiciary addresses organised armed robbery and gang-related crimes, potentially setting precedents for similar cases across the region.