Police in the Western North Region have arrested five men suspected of carrying out a series of robbery attacks in Sefwi Bekwai and nearby communities, following an intelligence-led operation aimed at addressing rising insecurity in the area.
The suspects — identified as Iddrisu Abdalla, 20; Abdul Rahaman Abubakar, 21; Okasha Mohammed, 19; Toffic Bawa, 24; and Richard Gyapong, 35 — were apprehended after officers launched a coordinated effort to track down individuals believed to be behind several recent incidents.
According to the Regional Police Command, the operation began when officers intercepted three of the suspects who were riding an unregistered motorbike. The trio reportedly failed to stop at the Mpesiem Police snap checkpoint, prompting a swift pursuit that ended in their arrest. Investigators later carried out follow-up searches at their homes, where two additional accomplices were taken into custody.
During the search of their residences, police found a backpack that contained talismans, a face mask and several finger rings. Officers believe the items may have been used to support or conceal the group’s criminal activities. While investigations are ongoing, the police say these early findings have reinforced earlier intelligence suggesting the five individuals were actively involved in multiple robbery cases.
Preliminary inquiries have already connected the suspects to several attacks reported in Sefwi Bekwai and surrounding areas. Police say the men are cooperating with investigators, and more details are expected as the probe continues. Authorities are now working to determine the full scope of the group’s operations and whether other individuals may also be involved.
The arrests come as residents in the region have raised concerns about increased robbery incidents, particularly targeting travellers and small businesses. Police officials say the latest operation is part of broader efforts to restore security and reassure communities affected by the crime wave.
All five suspects remain in custody while investigations proceed. The Regional Police Command has urged the public to continue sharing information that may assist in the fight against crime, emphasizing that community cooperation remains essential in efforts to curb criminal activities in the Western North Region.
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