The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team has intensified security operations across the Tamale Metropolis as part of measures to curb violent and economic crimes during the festive season.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, targeted crimes including robbery, drug peddling and abuse, theft, rape, and attacks on commercial vendors, with the aim of strengthening security networks and ensuring the smooth flow of economic activities within the metropolis.
A total of 100 police personnel were deployed for the exercise under the leadership of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bawah Abdul Jalil.
The team was supported by nine service vehicles, including an armoured vehicle and a Black Maria for conveying suspects.
The exercise began with intensive patrols in identified crime-prone areas and potential hotspots across both commercial and residential zones, enhancing police visibility, gathering intelligence, and deterring criminal activities.
During the patrols, intelligence from National Security operatives led to the arrest of one Ibrahim Abudu at Taha.
He was found in possession of quantities of Tramadol capsules and dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. A subsequent search at his residence yielded no additional exhibits.
Further intelligence resulted in the arrest of Abdul Hanan at Gumani, who was found with a parcel of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Upon interrogation, he identified his supplier as Mohammed Ibrahim and led the police to his residence.
A search conducted in Mohammed Ibrahim’s presence resulted in the retrieval of sacks and parcels of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, leading to his arrest.
The team also moved to the Changli area, popularly known as “Aluta Boys,” a location associated with drug peddling and other criminal activities.
Although suspects fled upon sighting the police, a search of the area led to the recovery of seven bottles of Benylin Codeine, opioid drugs including Rohypnol tablets, Red tablets, Bupropion tablets, and dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Police say efforts are underway to identify and arrest the owners of the recovered exhibits.
At Bilpeila, a stop-and-search operation at Mapuka Junction led to the arrest of a young male in possession of three Red opioid tablets.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of an alleged distributor, Seidu Abdul Razak, from whom additional opioid tablets were retrieved.
He later led police to an alleged supplier, Arafat Yasir, at Taha, but a search at his residence yielded no incriminating items.
The operation was later extended to the Tamale Taxi Rank and its environs, where no suspicious activities or items of police interest were detected.
In all, four suspects were arrested and conveyed to the Sakasaka Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations.
All recovered exhibits have been secured for evidential purposes, pending further investigations and forensic analysis.
According to ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, the operation significantly boosted police visibility in the metropolis and contributed to crime deterrence during the festive season.
He assured the public that intelligence-led operations will continue to ensure the safety and security of lives, property, and economic activities within the Tamale Metropolis.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
