The decision to withdraw the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team from the Northern Region has sparked public debate, praise for the unit’s work, and controversy over alleged political interference, following months of intensified police operations aimed at tackling rising crime in Tamale and surrounding communities.

The Special Operations Team, commanded by DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, was deployed to the Northern Region in November 2025 after growing concerns about escalating criminal activities in the Tamale metropolis and nearby areas.

At the time, residents and traders had expressed alarm over increasing cases of armed robbery, vehicle theft, drug trafficking, and attacks targeting mobile money vendors and business operators.

Responding to the security concerns, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohunu ordered the deployment of the elite taskforce with a clear mandate to restore law and order and strengthen public confidence in the security architecture of the region.

Under the leadership of DSP Abdul Jalil, the team began an aggressive crackdown on criminal networks, targeting drug dens, robbery gangs, and other organized criminal groups operating in Tamale.

During its months-long deployment, the Special Operations Team conducted a series of coordinated operations across the metropolis, which led to several arrests and the disruption of suspected drug distribution networks.

The operations also contributed to a significant reduction in visible criminal activities, particularly drug dealing and street-level narcotics trade, which residents say had previously become widespread in certain communities.

Local supporters of the police unit affectionately referred to the team as the “Black Maria,” a nickname inspired by the police vehicles used in the operations. According to residents, the presence of the taskforce made criminal activities increasingly risky and discouraged open drug dealing and other illegal ventures.

In a farewell message marking the conclusion of the mission, DSP Abdul Jalil expressed appreciation to the people of Northern Ghana for their cooperation and support during the operations.

He noted that the team arrived with a clear commitment to serve communities that had been increasingly worried about their safety.

“Our mission was to serve the people and help restore calm and confidence in communities,” DSP Abdul Jalil stated. “During our operations, we encountered several challenges, including resistance from criminal elements and other pressures that often arise when crime is confronted decisively.”

Despite the challenges, he said the team remained focused on protecting lives and property while working closely with local stakeholders to strengthen security across the region.

“As our mission comes to an end, we leave with the satisfaction that we stood with the people in their time of need,” he added, emphasizing that law enforcement work often demands sacrifice but remains necessary to safeguard society.

However, the withdrawal of the team has generated public reaction in Tamale, with some residents reportedly expressing disappointment over the move. Some community members praised DSP Abdul Jalil and his officers for bringing discipline and security to areas previously troubled by drug activities and other crimes.

The situation became more politically charged after reports circulated on social media suggesting that some politicians had petitioned the police administration to transfer the commander and his team because their operations were allegedly making the government unpopular in the region. These claims triggered protests and heated public discussions in Tamale.

Amid the controversy, the Haruna Institute issued a statement strongly rejecting allegations linking the withdrawal of the police taskforce to Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for Tamale South.

In the statement signed by the Institute’s Chief Executive Officer, Abdul-Ganiyu Sandow, the organization described the claims as false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Tamale South MP.

The Institute stressed that Haruna Iddrisu does not hold any advisory role to the Inspector-General of Police nor is he a member of the Police Council, and therefore has no authority to influence or direct police operational decisions.

According to the Institute, attempts to associate the MP with the withdrawal of the Special Operations Team were part of an orchestrated campaign to mislead the public and damage his standing.

“The Hon. Haruna Iddrisu holds no advisory role to the IGP and is not a member of the Police Council. Any suggestion that he influenced the withdrawal of the taskforce is false and malicious,” the statement said.

The Institute further demanded an immediate retraction of the publications linking the MP to the police redeployment and warned that it would explore legal action if the allegations continued to circulate.

Despite the controversy surrounding the withdrawal, the leadership of the Special Operations Team has maintained that their mission was always intended to support local policing efforts and restore calm in communities facing rising security threats.

DSP Abdul Jalil concluded his statement by thanking residents, traditional leaders, and other partners who supported the operations, reaffirming the commitment of the Ghana Police Service to continue working with communities to maintain peace and security across the Northern Region.