Armed robbers who forced victims to surrender MoMo PINs at machete point arrested in Wa; one dies, two on the run

The Upper West Regional Police Command in Ghana has arrested five suspects suspected to be part of an armed robbery gang, according to a statement released on August 11, 2026. The suspects were apprehended following months of intelligence-led operations in the Wa West District and Wa Municipality. One of the suspects, 52-year-old Nasiru Abdul Rahman, sustained injuries during the operation and passed away upon arrival at the Upper West Regional Hospital.

The cause of his injuries remains unclear, and his body has been preserved and will undergo an autopsy.

The gang is accused of threatening victims with machetes and forcing them to reveal their Mobile Money (MoMo) PINs. Once obtained, the robbers allegedly transferred stolen cash from the victims' accounts to accounts controlled by the gang. Investigations have connected the gang to several robbery incidents, including attacks at Kpenateng Junction on August 1, Kulkpara Dapoha on June 19, Kpenateng Community on June 15, Piisi Dapoha on March 27, and an incident on May 23.

A total of approximately GH¢22,070 in cash was stolen directly from victims, along with GH¢3,274 transferred through Mobile Money accounts.

The seven suspects arrested include Amadu Moro, 35; Adama Yussif, 40; Iddrissu Adama, 35; Korika Issaka, 20; and Zakaria Brigi, 21. Amadu Moro, Adama Yussif, and Nasiru Abdul Rahman are reportedly members of the gang linked to the incidents, while Haruna, 30, and Amadu Mahamudu, 24, remain at large. Authorities are actively seeking the two remaining suspects, with assistance from the public.

The Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help prevent further robberies.