The Ghana Police Service has dismantled a notorious armed robbery syndicate responsible for a wave of violent bank robberies across five regions of the country.

The breakthrough comes after six months of sustained intelligence operations.

The gang, made up of about 15 members, is linked to robberies in the Ahafo, Western, Central, Eastern and Ashanti Regions.

Arrests and Fatalities
So far, 10 suspects have been arrested and are in custody, while three others were killed in a shootout with police. Two additional suspects remain at large.

Those arrested include: Akwesi Agyei alias Cobra (the alleged ringleader), Ibrahim Alhassan, Samuel Appiah alias Akwesi Mugu, Francis Acquah alias Preman, David Obuobi alias Wasty, Martin Akansina alias One Billion, Nana Yaw Frimpong alias Mystical, Kojo Atingawo alias Borga, Samuel Akwasi Gyan, and Stephen Sey.
The deceased suspects are Kwaku Peprah alias X5, Natty Bongo, and Boozin.

Banks Targeted
Police investigations link the gang to at least 12 attacks, including:


  • Adansi Rural Bank, Fomena (April 10, 2025)

  • Lower Pra Rural Bank, Takoradi Inchaban (April 24, 2025)

  • Asokore Rural Bank, Kumasi (May 18, 2025)

  • Ahafo Kukom Community Bank (May 30, 2025)

  • Nnwabiagya Rural Bank, Offinso (July 10, 2025)

  • Bosomtwe Rural Bank, Kumasi (July 18, 2025)

  • Kakum Rural Bank, Elmina (August 4, 2025)

  • MRB Bank, Winneba (August 15, 2025)

  • South Birim Rural Bank, Akim Asene (August 16, 2025)

  • Ecobank, Kenyasi (September 8, 2025)

  • St. Martin de Porres Co-Op Credit Union, Kumasi (September 14, 2025)

The gang’s modus operandi was consistent: storming bank premises at dawn, tying up security guards, seizing their weapons, and cutting open vaults with industrial machines.

Weapons and Evidence Recovered
Items retrieved from the suspects include:


  • Three AK-47 rifles (two stolen from police officers at Ecobank Kenyasi)

  • Seven pump action guns with 96 rounds of ammunition

  • Pistols and live cartridges

  • Cash in various currencies

  • Six vehicles and four motorbikes

  • Assorted mobile phones and jewellery

One of the rifles was confirmed as the service weapon of Cpl. Francis Adu Yaw, who was killed by armed robbers on the Bibiani-Goaso highway in November 2024 — linking the same syndicate to his murder.

Details of the Operation
The ringleader, Akwesi Agyei alias Cobra, was arrested at Esereso Adagya, where police retrieved two AK-47 rifles hidden in a water pond. Other arrests followed in Ejisu, Atonsu, Ahwia-Zongo, and Buoho. Shootouts with suspects during the operation led to the deaths of three gang members.

Ongoing Investigations
According to police, several suspects have confessed, and others have been identified by victims during parades. Investigations are ongoing to track down the two suspects still on the run — Kwabena Owusu Ansah alias Kobby and Albert.

Police say all arrested suspects will be arraigned before court.