Police Dismantle Armed Robbery Gang on Obuasi–Dunkwa Highway; Two Suspects Killed, Several Arrested

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has dismantled a suspected armed robbery gang operating along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway following intelligence-led operations conducted on March 10 and 11, 2026.

The operation led to an exchange of gunfire between the police and the suspects, resulting in the death of two alleged robbers, the seizure of firearms and ammunition, and the arrest of several suspects believed to be linked to a broader illegal arms supply network in the Ashanti Region.

According to the police, the operation began on March 10 when the command received credible intelligence that a group of armed men had gathered in a bush along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway and were preparing to carry out a robbery attack.

A police team was immediately dispatched to the area. Upon arrival at a bush location near Obuasi, officers reportedly spotted about four young men armed with guns.

Police said the suspects opened fire upon seeing the officers and attempted to flee into the bush. The police returned fire, during which two of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds. The other two suspects, who are believed to have also been injured, managed to escape.

Officers recovered several weapons and ammunition at the scene, including an AK-47 assault rifle with serial number 68104599 loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, a pump-action gun loaded with five BB cartridges, eight additional rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, and one spent BB cartridge. In total, 36 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition were retrieved.

The two injured suspects were identified as David Aheto, 42, originally from Sogakope but resident in Asin Fosu, and Illiasu Bawa, 32, a native of Banda Nkwanta in the Savanna Region.

Both men were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital for treatment but were pronounced dead on arrival by the medical officer on duty.

Police investigations have linked the suspects to several armed robbery incidents across Obuasi, Dunkwa, Wasa Akropong, and Asin Fosu.

Further intelligence gathered during the operation revealed that one Samuel Agyei, also known as “Africa,” and other individuals currently on remand at Wasa Akropong are believed to be members of the same robbery gang.

Police also identified Alhaji Abdalah of Asawase in Kumasi as a suspected arms supplier who allegedly sold the recovered AK-47 rifle to the gang for GH¢45,000. Authorities say he is also suspected to have supplied a G3 rifle and a pistol to Samuel Agyei.

A follow-up operation on March 11 led to the arrest of Aminu Iddrisu, also known as “0244.” Police said the suspect led officers to a sheep pen at Moshie Zongo in Kumasi, where an AK-47 assault rifle and a Bruni pistol had been concealed in a sack.

In a separate development, police also arrested Daniel Debrah, 24. A search conducted in connection with his arrest led to the recovery of an unregistered red Toyota Corolla saloon car believed to have been purchased with proceeds from robberies allegedly carried out by the late suspect, David Aheto.

Four suspects — Abdalah Alhassan, Jemini Usman alias Babamu, Aminu Iddrisu alias 0244, and Daniel Debrah — are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.

The police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend another suspect, Mallam Aminu, and other members of the gang who remain at large, while authorities continue to search for additional firearms believed to be in their possession.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance against armed robbery and illegal arms trafficking, stressing that it will continue to pursue all individuals involved in criminal networks with the full force of the law.