Police gun down two armed robbery suspects, bust illegal arms network in Ashanti Region

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has disrupted a dangerous armed robbery gang operating along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway following intelligence-led operations carried out on March 10 and 11, 2026.
The police operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, resulted in the deaths of two suspects, the seizure of firearms and ammunition, and the arrest of several individuals linked to a wider illegal arms supply network operating in the Asawase area of Kumasi.

According to the police, the operation began on Tuesday, March 10, when the command received credible intelligence that a group of armed men had assembled in a bush along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway and were preparing to carry out a robbery attack.

Police teams were immediately dispatched to the location. Upon arrival, officers reportedly spotted four armed suspects who opened fire and attempted to flee the scene.

Police returned fire, fatally wounding two of the suspects while the other two managed to escape.

Weapons recovered at the scene included an AK-47 assault rifle with serial number 68104599 loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, as well as a pump-action shotgun with five rounds of BB cartridges.

The deceased suspects were identified as David Aheto, 42, a native of Sogakope who resided in Asin Fosu, and Illiasu Bawa, 32, from Banda Nkwanta in the Savannah region. Both men were pronounced dead on arrival at the Bekwai Municipal Hospital.

Police investigations have linked the suspects to a series of armed robbery incidents in Obuasi, Dunkwa, Wasa Akropong, and Asin Fosu.

Further intelligence gathered during the investigation identified Samuel Agyei, popularly known as “Africa”, and several other individuals currently on remand at Wasa Akropong as members of the same criminal network.

Investigators also uncovered an alleged illegal arms supply chain linked to Alhaji Abdalah of Asawase in Kumasi, who is suspected to have sold the recovered AK-47 rifle to the robbery gang for GH¢45,000.

Police further allege that Abdalah also supplied a G3 rifle and a pistol to Samuel Agyei.

A follow-up police operation conducted on March 11 led to the arrest of Aminu Iddrisu, also known as “0244”, who reportedly guided officers to the location of another AK-47 rifle and a Bruni pistol hidden inside a sheep pen at Moshie Zongo in Kumasi.

During the same operation, Daniel Debrah, 24, was also arrested. A search conducted by the police uncovered a red Toyota Corolla, which investigators suspect may have been purchased using proceeds from the gang’s robbery activities.

The police confirmed that Abdalah Alhassan, Jemini Usman alias Babamu, Aminu Iddrisu alias 0244, and Daniel Debrah are currently in police custody assisting with ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to arrest Mallam Aminu and other members of the robbery gang who are still at large and to recover additional firearms believed to be in circulation.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against armed robbery and illegal firearm trafficking, assuring the public that all individuals involved will be pursued and brought to justice.

Police have also encouraged members of the public to volunteer credible information that could assist in the arrest of the remaining suspects and further dismantle the criminal network operating in the region.