The Ghana Police Service has intensified its fight against violent crime in the Ashanti Region, arresting twelve suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations targeting armed robbery networks, with three of the individuals directly linked to the murder of a Kusasi chief at Asawase in Kumasi.

According to the Ashanti Regional Police Command, the arrests form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised criminal groups operating across the region.

The suspects include Abdalah Alhassan, Jemini Usman (alias Babamu), Aminu Iddrisu (alias 0244), Illiasu Dauda, Majeed Issaka Jibril, Gafaru Ibrahim, Mohammed Mumuni (alias Mama), Tanko Malik (alias Bronze), Mohammed Bawa (alias Mallam), Dramani Musah, Suleman Yasir Arafat (alias Obasanjo), and Ashaidu Sumbieda (alias Eyeshadow).

Police investigations have specifically identified three suspects—Jemini Usman (alias Babamu/Guru), Suleman Yasir Arafat (alias Obasanjo), and Ashaidu Sumbieda (alias Eyeshadow)—as key figures connected to the killing of the Kusasi Chief at Asawase, a case that has heightened security concerns in the area in recent weeks.

As part of the operation, officers retrieved a Toyota Corolla saloon car with registration number GC 439-21, believed to have been used by the suspects in carrying out their criminal activities.

The police also confirmed that two additional suspects, identified as Illiasu Bawa and David Aheto, sustained gunshot wounds during an exchange of fire with officers and were later pronounced dead.

A significant cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered during the operation, underscoring the scale and sophistication of the network.

Items seized include two AK-47 assault rifles, one pump-action gun, two pistols, 44 rounds of .32 ammunition, and 24 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate, including a key suspect identified as Illiasu, also known as Abodam, who remains at large.