Police Bust Armed Robbery Syndicate in Upper East; Four Arrested, Two Killed

The Ghana Police Service has dismantled a suspected armed robbery syndicate operating in the Upper East Region, leading to the arrest of four individuals and the death of two others during a security operation. The suspects — Masawudu Kasim, 38; Malik Baako Issah, 38; Mohammed Amidu, 35; and Wadud Abdul Adam, 29 — were apprehended at their hideout in Zuarungu. Police say another member of the group, identified only as “DJ”, is currently on the run. According to a statement from the Upper East Regional Police Command, the arrests followed a targeted intelligence-led operation on April 29, 2026, aimed at disrupting a network believed to be behind a string of violent robberies across the region. A search of the hideout uncovered a G3 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. The weapon had reportedly been concealed in a motorbike earlier stolen by two of the suspects, Samsudeen Mohammed and the fugitive “DJ”. Officers also retrieved seven additional motorbikes suspected to have been stolen during previous attacks. During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to participating in multiple robberies, including a February 4 attack along the Zuarungu–Kongo Road, where a bus driver, Ussif Abdul Razak, was shot and lost three fingers. They are also linked to a separate нападение on a cargo truck driver, Mohammed Ibrahim, along the same route. Police further tied the group to a March 28 robbery at the Kejetia Mining Site in Gbane, where a miner, Atani Mark, was reportedly robbed of cash and gold. Two suspects, identified as Samsudeen Mohammed and Seidu Safianu, sustained gunshot wounds during the operation and later died. Their bodies have been transported to the Police Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy. The four arrested suspects remain in custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations. Police say efforts are underway to apprehend additional accomplices, including “DJ”, and have assured the public that all those involved will be brought to justice.