Tamale, December 1, 2025 – The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team has embarked on a series of security activities in the Tamale Metropolis, beginning with a courtesy call on a prominent Islamic leader, followed by a large-scale swoop that led to multiple arrests and an armed confrontation resulting in the death of one suspect.
Led by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, the 50-member team arrived in Tamale with eight service vehicles, including a Black Maria, to formally announce its presence and mandate in the region.
Courtesy Call on Sheikh Basha
The team first called on Sheikh Basha, leader of Masjidul Bayan, where they were received by several Imams and community elders.
ASP Jalil briefed the gathering on the team’s core mission: tackling robbery, attacks on mobile money vendors, rape, the peddling and use of illicit drugs, and other crimes threatening public safety.
Sheikh Basha, in his remarks, commended the Ghana Police Service for its ongoing efforts to curb crime nationwide.
He offered prayers for the team, the IGP, the President, and his Cabinet, encouraging the officers to remain steadfast in their service to the nation.
Shortly after the courtesy call, the Special Operations Team moved to Sanzhirigu, a suburb of Tamale, following intelligence about a house reportedly used for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs.
Five suspects were arrested, and quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, along with bottles of Koffex syrup, were recovered.
Further intelligence led the team to Aboabo Forest, believed to be a hideout for robbery gangs and drug traffickers.
A coordinated swoop resulted in the arrest of 27 additional suspects. Police retrieved:
Large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp
A consignment of opioid tablets
Six motorbikes believed to be stolen
Three suspected stolen mobile phones
The forest area was cordoned off to prevent escape and secure the scene.
During the operation, police came under sudden gunfire from a group of armed criminals.
According to the report, officers acted in legitimate self-defense, returning fire to neutralize the threat.
One suspect was shot in the exchange and later pronounced dead at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
The remaining gang members fled with their weapons as police reinforcements advanced.
Police say the confrontation confirmed earlier intelligence that heavily armed criminals were operating within the enclave and were prepared to attack security personnel.
All 32 arrested suspects were transported to the District Charge Office and the Sakasaka Police Station for detention and further investigation.
The suspected narcotics have been submitted for forensic examination and laboratory testing, while the seized mobile phones and motorbikes are being held for verification and ownership tracing.
Throughout the operations, the IGP Special Operations Team was praised for maintaining discipline, professionalism, and strict adherence to rules of engagement — particularly in the face of armed resistance.
The team’s actions, according to the report, reinforce public trust in the Ghana Police Service and demonstrate its commitment to combating violent crime and dismantling criminal networks in the Tamale Metropolis.
The situation report was signed and submitted by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, officer in charge of the Special Operations Team currently deployed in the Northern Region.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
