The Upper East Regional Police Command has arrested seven individuals suspected of committing armed robbery offences in Zebilla, Garu and Binduri.
Investigators suggest that these suspects form part of a broader criminal organisation that obtains weapons from Bawku.
The arrested individuals are identified as Issaka Iddrisu, 20; Ali Tamimu, 21; Akugre Amobila, 26; Banabas Apiiga, 41; Abdul-Rashid Adamu, 38; Apiiga Alebena, 21; and Bilal Adabodee, 31.
Their arrest comes after an intelligence-driven operation conducted jointly by the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID), the newly established Black Cobra Unit and Zebilla Community Watchdogs.
According to a police statement, the suspects have acknowledged their involvement with a larger criminal syndicate that furnishes them with firearms for robbery operations throughout the three designated areas.
Two victims subsequently identified two of the suspects as participants in a three-member criminal group that allegedly robbed them at gunpoint of two Yamaha scooter motorbikes valued at GH¢30,000 and GH¢32,000 respectively.
The police further report that the victims received threats of death should they disclose the robbery incident.
The suspects reportedly admitted to the robbery and disclosed to investigators that the firearm used in the operation had been provided by an individual based in Bawku, who acts as their weapons supplier and secure storage facility.
A residential search of three suspects, Abdul-Rashid Adamu, Apiiga Alebena and Bilal Adabode, yielded the recovery of two unregistered motorbikes, quantities of suspected controlled substances and GH¢29,550 in currency, which police believe represents proceeds from unlawful activities.
The seven suspects have since been placed in police custody following a remand order issued by the Bolgatanga Circuit Court and are scheduled to appear again on September 23, 2026.
Meanwhile, police have announced that investigations are underway to locate and apprehend the alleged weapons supplier.
