Two armed robbery suspects have been killed following a shootout with the Ashanti South Regional Police Command on the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway, as authorities dismantled a dangerous criminal gang operating in the area.
The intelligence-led operations, conducted on March 10 and 11, 2026, also led to the arrest of several gang members, the recovery of firearms, and the uncovering of an illegal arms supply network in the Asawase area of the Ashanti Region.
The deceased suspects, identified as David Aheto, 42, from Sogakope and resident in Asin Fosu, and Illiasu Bawa, 32, from Banda Nkwanta in the Savannah Region, were pronounced dead on arrival at Bekwai Municipal Hospital after sustaining gunshot injuries during the police encounter.
Police said the gang had been preparing to carry out a robbery in a bush along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway when officers arrived.
“Upon arriving at the bush location near Obuasi, the team spotted approximately four young men armed with guns. On sighting the police, the suspects immediately opened fire and attempted to flee through the bush. The police returned fire and two suspects sustained gunshot injuries,” the Command explained.
Recovered at the scene were an AK-47 rifle with 28 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, a pump-action gun with five rounds of BB cartridges, eight additional rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, and one spent BB cartridge.
Investigations linked the suspects to multiple robberies in Obuasi, Dunkwa, Wasa Akropong, and Asin Fosu. Intelligence also implicated Samuel Agyei, alias Africa, and other individuals currently on remand at Wasa Akropong.
Alhaji Abdalah of Asawase, Kumasi, allegedly sold firearms to the gang, including the AK-47 recovered in the operation.
A follow-up exercise on March 11 led to the arrest of Aminu Iddrisu, alias 0244, who guided police to another hidden AK-47 and a Bruni pistol in a sheep pen at Moshie Zongo, Kumasi. Daniel Debrah, 24, was also arrested, with police recovering a red Toyota Corolla believed to be linked to the gang’s robbery proceeds.
Suspects Abdalah Alhassan, Jemini Usman alias Babamu, Aminu Iddrisu, and Daniel Debrah remain in custody, assisting investigations. Police continue efforts to apprehend Mallam Aminu and other gang members still at large.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance against armed robbery and the illegal possession of firearms.
“We will continue to pursue all individuals involved in such criminal networks with the full force of the law,” the Command stated.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
