The Police Special Operations Unit has arrested 16 individuals in a sweeping operation in Tamale, following a spike in violent attacks on residents, students, and mobile money vendors.

The raid, approved by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), targeted a criminal hideout in the Nyohini area.

Special Operations Commander, ASP Alhaji Jalil, told the media that the suspects—nine men and seven women—were apprehended as part of efforts to combat a surge in armed robberies, stabbings, break-ins, and drug-related offences in the Northern Region.

He noted that recent attacks on University for Development Studies (UDS) students, theft of laptops and personal belongings, and the rampant sale of narcotics such as “red” and tramadol had triggered widespread concern among residents.

ASP Jalil revealed that civil society groups and traditional leaders had petitioned the IGP over the deteriorating security situation, leading to the deployment of the Special Operations Unit to reinforce the regional police team.

He disclosed that officers have been in the region for weeks, gathering intelligence and monitoring the activities of criminal networks.

“We know where these criminals operate. Our presence in the Northern Region is strong and deliberate,” he said.

Issuing a stern warning, ASP Jalil cautioned that anyone involved in criminal activity would be relentlessly pursued.

“We will track you down, no matter where you hide,” he declared, urging residents to support the police with information.

The suspects are currently in custody and will be processed for court in the coming days.

ASP Jalil expressed deep concern about the fear gripping residents, particularly mobile money vendors who are now closing their businesses early due to repeated attacks.

“People are living in fear. Vendors are shutting down early, some refusing to work altogether. But we want to assure everyone: the IGP says no to crime, and we say no to crime,” he stressed.

He assured the public that the operation will continue until calm and full security are restored in Tamale.