Tamale, January 03, 2026 — The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team has intensified routine patrols across the Tamale Metropolis as part of the New Year security strategy aimed at sustaining peace, law, and order.
The operation, which forms part of proactive measures to curb violent and economic crimes, targeted offences such as robbery, drug peddling and abuse, theft, rape, and attacks on commercial vendors.
The exercise sought to strengthen the metropolis’ security architecture, boost public confidence in policing, deter criminal activities, and ensure the smooth flow of commercial and economic activities during the New Year period.
A total of 105 police personnel were deployed for the operation under the command of DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil.
The team operated with 10 service vehicles, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) for tactical support and a Black Maria for the conveyance of suspects.
The patrols commenced with intensive visibility operations across identified crime-prone areas and potential hotspots within the metropolis.
These patrols were designed to enhance police presence, gather actionable intelligence, reassure residents, and deter criminal elements in both commercial and residential areas.
As part of the operation, the team extended patrols to Changli, an area popularly known as “Aluta Boys,” which has been noted for frequent incidents of drug peddling and other criminal activities.
Upon the arrival of the police, several suspected drug peddlers and abusers fled the area, abandoning three motorbikes.
Eight suspects were arrested at the scene, while large quantities of opioids and dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were retrieved.
Police also identified and destroyed wooden benches and makeshift structures used as hideouts and for criminal activities in the area. These structures were subsequently set ablaze to prevent their future use for unlawful purposes.
Further patrols at Gumbihini led to the arrest of four additional suspects found in possession of quantities of opioids and dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
A wooden structure used as a centre for drug peddling and consumption was also destroyed and set ablaze.
In total, 12 suspects were arrested during the operation. All suspects have been conveyed to the Sakasaka Police Station, where they are being held in lawful custody to assist with ongoing investigations.
All retrieved exhibits, including suspected narcotic substances and the abandoned motorbikes, have been secured for evidential purposes pending further investigations and forensic analysis.
The operation significantly enhanced police visibility within the Tamale Metropolis and served as a strong deterrent to criminal activities during the New Year period.
The swift and decisive actions of the Special Operations Team disrupted known criminal enclaves, reduced the operational space for drug peddlers, and reinforced public confidence in the ability of the police to maintain law and order.
According to the police, intelligence-led patrols and follow-up operations remain ongoing to identify and dismantle other criminal networks within the metropolis.
The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring a safe environment for residents, visitors, and businesses to thrive.
The police have also called on members of the public to cooperate by providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security efforts across the Tamale Metropolis and beyond.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
