Benue: Police arrest suspected kidnappers, robbers, recover AK-47 rifles, ammunition

Ghana's police force has apprehended suspects involved in a series of armed robberies and weapons trading across Buipe, Tamale, Mion, and the Accra-Kumasi highway. Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno disclosed the arrests during a press briefing, highlighting seven major breakthroughs achieved by the Service through intelligence-led operations.

The Northern Regional Police Intelligence Directorate apprehended three suspects in connection with armed robberies in Buipe, Tamale, and Mion, who allegedly operated with assault rifles and a pump-action gun along the Fumbisi-Yagaba road. They are also accused of selling stolen motorcycles to contacts in Tamale and Savelugu. Inspector-General Yohuno revealed that one of the suspects, Yacouba Oumar, was responsible for the robbery and murder of a mobile money vendor near Damango Junction.

Another suspect, Alhaji Imoro Beliko, died during a police operation while attempting to escape after being implicated in the Buipe Cattle Market robbery and murder. The robbers targeted two mobile money vendors, stealing GH¢430,000. In the highway robbery case, suspects including Obotan, Issaka Napson, Issaka Majeed, and Majeed Huzeifa were arrested.

A 14-year-old juvenile was also apprehended as a lookout. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and recover the weapons. The police have also cracked down on the illegal firearms trade, arresting five individuals and recovering eight AK-47 assault rifles, an SMG rifle, and two foreign pistols. The Inspector-General commended the dedication and professionalism of the officers involved and urged the public to report information on remaining suspects to the police.