Police arrest seven suspected armed robbers operating in Zebilla, Garu and Binduri

The Upper East Regional Police Command has arrested seven suspects allegedly linked to a robbery network operating across Zebilla, Garu and Binduri, following an intelligence-led operation in the region.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 41, are Issaka Iddrisu, 20; Ali Tamimu, 21; Akugre Amobila, 26; Banabas Apiiga, 41; Abdul-Rashid Adamu, 38; Apiiga Alebena, 21; and Bilal Adabodee, 31.

According to the Police, the arrests were carried out through a joint intelligence operation involving the Police Intelligence and Professional Standards Bureau (PID), the newly formed Black Cobra Unit and the Zebilla Neighbourhood Watch Community.

Suspects allegedly linked to wider robbery network

The Police said the suspects have reportedly confessed to being members of a wider network of gangs involved in armed robbery activities within the three communities.

Investigators are also pursuing information provided by the suspects about an alleged weapons supplier believed to be operating from Bawku.

The Police said the identity of the alleged supplier has been withheld as efforts continue to locate and arrest the person.

Victims identify two suspects

The case took a significant turn after two victims reported to the Police following the arrests.

The victims allegedly identified two of the suspects as members of a three-man armed robbery gang that attacked them at gunpoint.

According to the Police, the robbers made away with two Yamaha scooter motorbikes valued at GH¢30,000 and GH¢32,000 respectively.

The victims also told investigators that the attackers threatened to kill them if they reported the incident to the authorities.

The Police said the two suspects subsequently admitted to taking part in the robbery and provided information about the alleged source of the weapons used during the operation.

Police raid houses, recover cash and motorbikes

Searches conducted at the residences of Abdul-Rashid Adamu, Apiiga Alebena and Bilal Adabodee reportedly yielded several items of interest to investigators.

The Police said they recovered two unregistered motorbikes, quantities of suspected hard drugs and GH¢29,550 in cash.

The cash is believed by investigators to be proceeds from criminal activities, although the circumstances surrounding the items will form part of the ongoing investigation.

Seven suspects remanded

Following their arrests, all seven suspects were brought before the Bolgatanga Circuit Court.

The court has since remanded them into Police custody.

They are expected to reappear on September 23, 2026, as investigations continue.

Police intensify hunt for alleged weapons supplier

With the seven suspects now in custody, the Police have intensified efforts to identify and apprehend the person they allegedly named as their source of weapons.

The development is expected to help investigators determine whether the arrests have uncovered a broader organised robbery network operating across communities in the Upper East Region.

The Police Command says the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on robbery activities and improve security in Zebilla, Garu, Binduri and surrounding areas.

For now, seven suspects are behind bars, while investigators continue the hunt for other persons allegedly connected to the robbery network.