Tamale, Dec. 13, 2025 – A special operations team deployed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on Friday conducted a large-scale security operation across the Tamale Metropolis and the Tolon District, arresting 17 suspects and seizing suspected narcotics and other items as part of intensified efforts to curb crime in the Northern Region.
The operation, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Bawah Abdul Jalil, targeted illicit drug peddling and abuse, robberies, rape, attacks on mobile money vendors, and other crimes threatening public safety and livelihoods.
A 49-member team, supported by nine service vehicles, including an armoured vehicle and a Black Maria, carried out intensified patrols within Tamale before extending operations along the Nyankpala road towards Kasalgu.
Searches were conducted on road users and at identified locations to detect illicit drugs and offensive weapons.
As part of a community-engagement strategy, the team extended the operation to the Tolon District, where officers paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Tolon, Major Sulemana Abubakari (Rtd).
The chief welcomed the team and endorsed the inclusion of Tolon within the operational area, expressing concern over rising drug abuse among the youth and describing the operation as timely and necessary to restore sanity in the community.
The team also visited the Chief of Nyankpala, Naa Mahama, who commended the police for their sustained efforts against the drug menace and pledged to support the operation with intelligence to aid arrests.
He lamented the growing rate of crime and the adverse impact of drug abuse on the youth, noting that the problem had personally affected his community.
Police authorities assured the traditional leaders of their readiness to tackle drug-related crimes and other criminal activities, stressing the importance of collaboration with traditional and religious authorities to achieve lasting security outcomes.
Following the engagements, officers returned to Tamale and, acting on credible intelligence, moved to the Waterworks area, identified as a hotspot for criminal gangs and drug-related activities—where a swoop led to the arrest of 17 suspects.
Items retrieved during the operation included quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, eight bottles of Koffex cough syrup, two sachets of suspected opioid (red) tablets, and a motorbike.
The suspects were conveyed to the Sakaksaka Police Station for detention and further investigations, while the exhibits were handed over for screening and forensic analysis.
Police said the operation was executed successfully without any casualties, significantly boosting police visibility and strengthening collaboration with traditional authorities while dealing a major blow to drug-related activities in the area.
The IGP Special Operations Team reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining similar operations to ensure peace, security, and public confidence across the Northern Region.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
