Tamale, December 3, 2025 – The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team, led by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, on Tuesday deepened its community-security collaboration efforts with a courtesy visit to the Northern Regional Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdul Salam Ahmed, at his residence near the Central Mosque in Tamale.
The engagement forms part of the Team’s broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with religious and community leaders as police intensify operations against rising criminal activities within the Tamale Metropolis.
During the visit, ASP Bawah briefed the Chief Imam on the scope of ongoing operations targeting a range of security threats, including armed robbery, rape, attacks on mobile money vendors, drug peddling, and other emerging crimes.
He noted that drug-related offences remain particularly concerning, with peddlers increasingly devising sophisticated methods to evade arrest.
According to him, the Team remains resolute in deploying intelligence-led strategies to dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence in the police.
The Chief Imam, accompanied by elders and congregants, expressed profound appreciation for the IGP’s intervention, describing the arrival of the Special Operations Team as “an answer to the community’s long-standing prayers.”
He highlighted the disruptive effects of insecurity on livelihoods, social activities, and community stability, stressing the urgent need for sustained police presence.
Sheikh Abdul Salam urged the Team to remain steadfast in the face of criticism, noting that such opposition often comes from individuals who benefit from criminal activities.
He assured the officers of the unwavering support of all Imams under his authority, including those from other sects, pledging continuous prayers for their guidance, protection, and success.
The Chief Imam also prayed for the President and his Cabinet, calling for continued state support to strengthen the operational capacity of the police.
He appealed for the long-term deployment of the Special Operations Team to ensure sustained security improvements.
Following the engagement, the Special Operations Team proceeded to the Aboabo Forest, an area flagged for persistent drug-related activity.
A recent operation in the enclave resulted in the arrest of two suspects found with quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and tramadol tablets.
The police also retrieved two unregistered motorbikes and four mobile phones from the suspects. Both individuals and the seized exhibits were transported to the Sakasaka Police Station for detention and investigation. The substances have since been submitted for forensic analysis.
The day’s activities, according to the Team, significantly strengthened cooperation between the police and key religious stakeholders, reinforcing a shared commitment to combating crime in the Metropolis.
ASP Bawah noted that despite the defiance of drug peddlers and other criminals, the IGP Special Operations Team remains unwavering in its mission.
He reaffirmed that community engagement and intelligence-driven policing will continue to anchor efforts toward securing the Tamale Metropolis.
The situation report was respectfully submitted by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, Officer in Charge of the IGP Special Operations Team currently deployed in the Northern Region.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
