Upper East Police arrest seven suspected armed robbers

Story by: Regina Bless

The Upper East Regional Police Command has arrested seven suspects believed to be involved in a series of armed robbery activities in Zebilla, Garu and Binduri.

The suspects have been 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 followed an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID), the newly formed Black Cobra Unit and the Zebilla Community Watchdogs.

According to the Police, the suspects admitted belonging to a wider network of criminal gangs involved in robbery operations and the supply of weapons within Zebilla, Garu and Binduri.

Following the arrests, two victims reported to the Police and identified two of the suspects as members of a three-man gang that allegedly robbed them at gunpoint of two Yamaha scooter motorbikes valued at GH¢30,000 and GH¢32,000 respectively.

The victims also reported that the robbers threatened to kill them during the operation.

The Police said the suspects subsequently admitted to participating in the robbery and disclosed that the weapon used was allegedly supplied by an individual in Bawku who serves as a source of weapons and provides safe-keeping facilities for the gang.

A search conducted at the residences of three of the suspects — Abdul-Rashid Adamu, Apiiga Alebena and Bilal Adabode — reportedly led to the recovery of two unregistered motorbikes, quantities of suspected hard drugs and GH¢29,550 in cash, believed by investigators to be proceeds from criminal activities.

All seven suspects have been remanded into police custody by the Bolgatanga Circuit Court and are expected to reappear on September 23, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Police Command says efforts have been intensified to identify and arrest the alleged weapon supplier as investigations into the activities of the suspected criminal network continue.