Tamale, January 21, 2026: The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team has intensified security operations within the Tamale Metropolis as part of ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety.
The operation, conducted on Monday, January 19, 2026, involved a total of 105 police personnel led by Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) Bawah Abdul Jalil and DSP Philip Perdison.
The exercise forms part of a broader security initiative targeting robbery, kidnapping, drug peddling, sexual offences, attacks on mobile money vendors, and other criminal activities.
Prior to the commencement of the operation, personnel received a detailed briefing from the Team Commander, DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, who underscored the importance of professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to human rights throughout the exercise.
The team was supported by ten service vehicles, including a Black Maria and an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), to ensure effective mobility and operational efficiency across the metropolis.
As part of the day’s activities, the team paid a courtesy visit to Tamale Technical University (TaTU) following an invitation from the Vice-Chancellor.
The delegation was warmly received by Professor Bashiru Imoro Iden Saed, Vice-Chancellor of the University; Mr. Karimu Hardi of Hadra Security Ltd., the campus security contractor; and the University’s Head of Security, retired Warrant Officer Class I Akanteba Lawson.
Addressing the team, Prof. Saed expressed deep appreciation for the sustained efforts of the IGP Special Operations Team in maintaining law and order in Tamale.
He also commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Ghana Police Service for their proactive approach to crime prevention in the region.
The Vice-Chancellor raised concerns over growing security challenges on university campuses, particularly recurrent theft cases at the University Hospital, and called for enhanced security interventions to safeguard students, staff, and institutional property.
University security officials further appealed for a stronger and sustained police presence on campus.
In response, DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil emphasized the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and the Ghana Police Service and assured university authorities of the team’s commitment to addressing the identified security concerns.
Following the engagement, the team commenced full-scale intelligence-led patrols at identified crime-prone locations across the metropolis.
At the Water Works area, police arrested Alhassan Abdul Shakun for possession of Royal 225 and Hawa Yakubu for possession of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
In a separate operation at the Aboabo Market, seven individuals, Ikram Abdul Razak, Farouk Nahim, Issah Mohammed, Abdulai Fuseini, Umaru Zulkarina, Mohammed Marawu, and Shaibu Ibrahim, were arrested for possession of various quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Further arrests were made within the Kamina Barracks enclave, where Simi Michael, Abdul Lasa, Iddi Suraya, Franklina Owusu, Albert Anafo, Sadiq Alhassan, and Ziblina Muntala were apprehended for possession of suspected Indian hemp and quantities of Koffex cough syrup.
Additionally, three individuals who identified themselves as military personnel were arrested at the same location for possession and use of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
Following formal verification of their identities, which confirmed their military status, arrangements were made for them to be handed over to the Regional Military Police Command for further action, in line with Police Service Instructions (SI) 167 governing the handling of service personnel involved in criminal matters.
All other suspects have been detained at the Sakasaka Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations, while all exhibits have been secured for forensic examination and evidential purposes.
The operation has been described as a significant success, particularly in disrupting the circulation of illicit narcotics within the Tamale Metropolis.
The Ghana Police Service says the efficiency, coordination, and intelligence-led approach demonstrated by the IGP Special Operations Team reflect its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
These proactive interventions, police say, continue to strengthen public confidence in the Ghana Police Service and contribute to a safer and more secure environment for residents, institutions, and businesses across the Tamale Metropolis.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
