Tamale, December 16, 2025 – The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team has intensified security operations across the Tamale Metropolis as part of measures to curb drug peddling, robbery, sexual offences, attacks on commercial vendors, and other crimes that threaten public safety, especially during the festive season.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, forms part of routine intelligence-led policing aimed at ensuring peace and security as economic and social activities heighten during the Christmas period.
The team deployed a total of 105 personnel, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bawah Abdul Jalil, with logistical support including 10 service vehicles, among them an armored vehicle and a Black Maria for the conveyance of suspects.
Before the commencement of the exercise, officers were thoroughly briefed to uphold professionalism, teamwork, and vigilance throughout the operation.
The security team carried out combined highway and community patrols across the metropolis, with strategic deployments at identified crime hotspots.
During the patrols, intelligence led officers to the residence of one Gladys Lariba at Taha, suspected to be involved in drug peddling.
A search at the premises resulted in her arrest after quantities of toffees mixed with dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were found, along with additional dried leaves retrieved from the house.
Another individual, Joseph Christian, who was present at the same location, was also arrested after being found in possession of one wrap of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
At Gumbihini, the team arrested Musah Stephen and Fatau Issahaku on intelligence for allegedly possessing Tramadol capsules. Further interrogation led officers to a suspected supplier identified as Hidir.
A search at the indicated location resulted in the retrieval of a BB cartridge and additional dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
However, the suspect managed to flee before officers arrived and is currently on the run.In a related operation at Vitting, intelligence from the Gulkpegu Chief Task Force led to the arrest of Amina Isahaku and her husband, Muhammed Sumaila.
The suspects were found in possession of boxes of Tramadol capsules and identified one Hikima Yahaya as their supplier.
The Police subsequently proceeded to the residence of Hikima Yahaya, where a search uncovered quantities of Tramadol capsules, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and packaging materials.
During the operation, Rahman Abudu, who was present at the scene, was arrested after being found with quantities of Tramadol capsules.
The prime suspect, Hikima Yahaya, however, escaped prior to the team’s arrival and is currently at large.
All arrested suspects have been conveyed to the Sakasaka Police Station, where they remain in custody pending further investigations.
The exhibits retrieved during the operations have been handed over to investigators for screening and forensic analysis.
Police say investigations are ongoing to locate and arrest the two suspects currently at large, while efforts are being intensified to dismantle the wider drug distribution network operating within the Tamale Metropolis.
The IGP Special Operations Team commended the support of the Gulkpegu Chief Task Force, noting that timely community intelligence played a crucial role in the success of the operation.
The police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of residents, particularly during the festive season.
The operation, according to ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, underscores the professionalism and resolve of the Special Operations Team in safeguarding lives and property through proactive and intelligence-driven policing.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
