By Amoako Kwame
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has dealt a massive blow to a violent criminal syndicate following a high-stakes intelligence-led operation that spanned March 10 and 11, 2026. The crackdown resulted in the deaths of two dangerous suspects and the dismantling of an illegal arms supply chain operating within the Kumasi metropolis.
The operation began on Tuesday, March 10, when the Command acted on a tip-off regarding a group of armed men positioned in a thicket along the Obuasi-Dunkwa highway. The gang was reportedly laying an ambush for unsuspecting commuters and bullion vehicles.
Upon reaching the scene, police tactical teams were met with heavy gunfire from four suspects. In the ensuing shootout, officers neutralized two of the gunmen, while two others managed to escape into the dense forest under the cover of darkness.
The deceased have since been identified as 42-year-old David Aheto, a native of Sogakope residing in Asin Fosu, and 32-year-old Illiasu Bawa from Banda Nkwanta. Both were confirmed dead on arrival at the Bekwai Municipal Hospital.
At the scene of the shootout, police recovered a sophisticated cache of weapons, including An AK-47 assault rifle (Serial No. 68104599) loaded with 28 rounds of ammunition and a pump-action gun with five BB cartridges.
Deepening investigations into the gang’s logistics revealed a disturbing trend of illegal arms trading. According to police sources, the recovered AK-47 was allegedly purchased for GH₵45,000 from one Alhaji Abdalah, based in Asawase, Kumasi.
The investigation further linked the gang to Samuel Agyei (alias “Africa”), a known criminal currently on remand at Wasa Akropong. It is alleged that the same supplier provided the group with G3 rifles and pistols for their operations across the Ashanti and Central regions. On Wednesday, March 11, the operation shifted to Moshie Zongo, where police arrested Aminu Iddrisu (alias “0244”). The suspect led investigators to a sheep pen where an AK-47 and a Bruni pistol had been concealed.
In a simultaneous raid, 24-year-old Daniel Debrah was apprehended. A search of his premises led to the impounding of a red Toyota Corolla, which the police believe was acquired through the proceeds of their robberies.
The suspects currently in custody, Abdalah Alhassan, Jemini Usman (alias Babamu), Aminu Iddrisu and Daniel Debrah, are assisting with ongoing investigations.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has issued a stern warning to those involved in the illicit trade of firearms. A spokesperson for the Command emphasized that “the era of highway terror is being systematically dismantled,” vowing that the hunt for the remaining fugitive, Mallam Aminu, and other accomplices continues.
Residents in the Obuasi and Dunkwa enclaves are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station as the Command intensifies its “Zero Tolerance” policy against violent crime.
