Two suspected armed robbers have been killed in a gunfire exchange with police during an intelligence-led operation aimed at dismantling a violent highway robbery syndicate operating across parts of northern and southern Ghana. A police officer also sustained injuries in the operation.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command confirmed that the incident occurred between April 25 and 26, 2026, as officers moved in to recover weapons allegedly hidden by the gang following a series of attacks on major highways, including the Obuasi–Manso Nyinahin corridor.
Briefing journalists on Tuesday, April 28, the Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, DCOP Joseph Hammond Nyaaba, explained that the operation was launched following intelligence on a key suspect identified as Sumaila Munkaila, popularly known as “Guda,” who was reportedly hiding in Vitin in the Northern Region.
According to him, the suspect was arrested on April 25 and, during interrogation, allegedly admitted involvement in several highway robberies. These include a July 2025 attack on the convoy of businessman and politician Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam, as well as other robberies along the Buipe–Tamale and Vizesi–Fumbisi highways.
He further disclosed that the suspect led investigators to additional members of the group, resulting in the arrest of another suspect, Umaro Musah, at Savelugu later the same day.
DCOP Nyaaba said the suspects later guided police to a bush near Yizesi, close to Fumbisi in the Upper East Region, where the gang was believed to have concealed weapons used in their operations.
However, the search operation turned violent on April 26 when unknown armed men opened fire on the police team from within the bush, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During the confrontation, the two suspects attempted to escape but were shot and later died from their injuries. A police officer was also wounded in the exchange and is receiving medical care.
The injured and deceased suspects were rushed to the Tamale Government Hospital, where the two were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have since been deposited at the Bekwai Municipal Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Police say a significant cache of weapons was recovered at the scene, including a CZ 805 assault rifle with 14 rounds of 5.56x39mm ammunition, an AK-47 rifle loaded with 56 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, a pump-action gun with six BB cartridges, and a single-barrel gun. Four jackets believed to have been used by the suspects were also retrieved.
The Police Command says investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend three additional suspects identified as Tongude, Sumaila, and Berra.
DCOP Nyaaba commended the officers involved for what he described as a professional and coordinated operation, reaffirming the Police Service’s commitment to intensifying the fight against armed robbery and improving safety on the country’s highways.
