One Killed, 32 Arrested During IGP Special Team Operations in Tamale

An intelligence-led operation by the IGP Special Operations Team in the Tamale Metropolis on Saturday resulted in a violent gunfire exchange with suspected criminals at the Aboabo Forest enclave, leaving one suspect dead and several others on the run.

According to police sources, the officers were advancing through the enclave—an area believed to be a hideout for gangs involved in robbery and illicit drug trafficking—when they came under sudden gunfire from armed men.

The attack, which placed the lives of the officers in immediate danger, prompted the team to return fire in line with police rules of engagement and self-defence protocols.

One suspect was hit during the exchange while the remaining armed individuals fled with their weapons as reinforcements approached.

Police officers attempted to provide assistance to the injured suspect and transported him to the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

He was, however, pronounced dead on arrival by the attending medical officer. His body has been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The confrontation corroborated earlier intelligence indicating the readiness of the criminal elements in the area to violently resist arrest.

The encounter occurred after a series of coordinated operations and community engagements by the Special Operations Team in the Northern Region.

Earlier in the day, the team—led by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil—paid a courtesy call on the leader of Masjidul Bayan, Sheikh Basha.

The visit involved 50 personnel and eight service vehicles, including a Black Maria.

Sheikh Basha, together with other Imams and community elders, warmly received the police delegation.

ASP Abdul Jalil briefed the religious leaders on the team’s mandate, which includes combating robbery, attacks on mobile money vendors, rape, illicit drug peddling, and other crimes threatening security in the region.

Sheikh Basha offered prayers and commendation for the police, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their mission to safeguard the public.

Following the engagement, the officers moved to Sanzhirigu, where intelligence suggested that a particular house was being used for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs.

Several suspects were met on the premises, leading to the arrest of five individuals. Police recovered quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and bottles of Koffex syrup.

Further intelligence prompted a swoop on the Aboabo Forest area, where 27 additional suspects were arrested.

Items retrieved included large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, significant quantities of opioid tablets, six motorbikes suspected to be stolen, and three mobile phones believed to be stolen.

The enclave was secured to prevent escapes and ensure the safety of both officers and civilians.

All 32 suspects arrested during the day’s operations were transported to the District Charge Office and the Sakasaka Police Station for detention and further investigation.

The seized substances have been submitted for forensic and laboratory analysis, while the suspected stolen motorbikes and phones are being held for verification.

Throughout the exercises, the IGP Special Operations Team maintained high levels of discipline and tactical coordination.

Their professionalism, despite the armed resistance encountered, has been praised as a significant boost to public confidence in the police’s ongoing efforts to dismantle violent crime networks within the Tamale Metropolis.

 

For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z

The post One Killed, 32 Arrested During IGP Special Team Operations in Tamale appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story