16 in custody as police, soldiers recover guns and ammunition at Gbane mine

Sixteen individuals are currently held in custody following security operations conducted at the Gbane mining site in the Upper East Region's Talensi District. The joint operation by the police and soldiers resulted in the recovery of 209 live AA cartridges, two pump-action firearms, and suspected Indian hemp. According to a statement from the Police Public Affairs Unit dated October 14, 2026, the Upper East Regional Police Command led the operation on October 13, with assistance from various units including the National Police Intelligence Directorate, Upper East Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, Special Operations Team, and Tongo District Police Command.

Initially, ten suspects were apprehended during the initial operation, with additional six suspects arrested in a separate operation by the 11 Mechanised Battalion. In total, 16 people were arrested and 209 cartridges were seized, with the remaining items being retained as evidence. All 16 suspects are now in custody and will face court proceedings.

The operations were carried out as part of ongoing security efforts at the Gbane and Namolug mining sites, as well as to address conflicts involving the Gbane and Namolug communities, the Gbane Mining Enterprise, and Earl International Mining Limited. The police have also increased patrols in the affected communities to maintain peace.