Tamale, December 2, 2025 – The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team on Monday carried out a series of high-level engagements and intelligence-led operations in the Tamale Metropolis, resulting in the arrest of 32 suspects and the retrieval of large quantities of illicit drugs and suspected stolen items.
One armed suspect was also shot dead after engaging the police in a firefight.
The 50-member team, led by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and supported by eight service vehicles, including a Black Maria, began the day with a courtesy call on the leader of Masjidul Bayan, Sheikh Basha.
The visit, according to police, formed part of efforts to formally announce the team’s presence in the region and to seek prayers, guidance and blessings as they execute their mandate.
Sheikh Basha, joined by several Imams and community elders, warmly received the delegation.
During the engagement, ASP Jalil outlined the team’s core focus areas in the Metropolis, which include tackling robbery, attacks on mobile money vendors, rape, and the sale and abuse of illicit drugs.
In response, Sheikh Basha conveyed his regards to the IGP, the Special Operations Team and the Ghana Police Service for their continued efforts in combating crime nationwide.
He assured the police of sustained prayers for the team, the President, his cabinet and the security services.
Shortly after the courtesy call, the team moved to Sanzhirigu following intelligence that a particular house was being used for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs.
Upon arrival, officers met several individuals on the premises and arrested five suspects. Large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as bottles of Koffex syrup, were retrieved from the scene.
Further intelligence led the officers to the Aboabo Forest, believed to be a hideout for criminal gangs involved in robbery and drug trafficking.
A coordinated swoop resulted in the arrest of 27 suspects. The police recovered significant quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, opioid tablets, six motorbikes and three mobile phones believed to be stolen.
Police say the area was cordoned off to prevent escape and to create a secure environment for the operation.
Armed Confrontation Leaves One Suspect Dead
During the operation, the team encountered a group of armed men who, without warning, opened fire on the officers.
Police returned fire “in line with rules of engagement and legitimate self-defense,” ASP Jalil reported.
One suspect was shot in the exchange. Officers moved in to assist and transported him to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The body has been deposited at the mortuary pending autopsy. The remaining suspects fled with their weapons as reinforcements arrived.
According to the police, the confrontation confirmed prior intelligence that the gang was heavily armed and prepared to attack security personnel.
All 32 arrested suspects were taken to the District Charge Office and the Sakasaka Police Station for detention and further investigations.
The suspected narcotics have been submitted for forensic testing, while the motorbikes and mobile phones are being held for verification and additional directives.
ASP Jalil commended his team for demonstrating discipline, tactical coordination, strict adherence to rules of engagement and professionalism even under armed threat.
Despite the dangers, he said, the team acted “swiftly, responsibly and with exceptional courage,” reaffirming the commitment of the Ghana Police Service to restore peace and dismantle criminal networks in the Tamale Metropolis.
The Special Operations Team is expected to continue its activities in the region in the coming days.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
