A 25-year-old man is in police custody after being caught with a frightening cache of weapons, ammunition, and military-style gear near the Asankare Police barrier in the Ashanti Region.

The suspect, Yussif Mohammed, was arrested on Wednesday, May 8, by the Konongo Divisional Police Command with support from alert members of the public.

The arrest was made after a backpack fell from an Accra-bound passenger bus Yussif was travelling on from the Kumasi direction.

Eyewitnesses who saw the bag drop quickly drew the attention of nearby officers, who immediately moved in.

Inside the backpack, police discovered an alarming haul:

• 207 rounds of assorted ammunition, including 97 rounds of G3, 42 AK-47 rounds, and 35 rounds of CZ ammunition
• Two G3 magazines loaded with live rounds, plus empty CZ and G3 magazines
• A bulletproof vest, military trousers and boots, and smocks embedded with talismans
• Dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, a crash helmet, black and green pullovers, and jackets

Speaking to journalists at a press briefing, Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, ACP Joseph Hammond Nyaaba, confirmed that the items were retrieved during a search at the scene.

“The suspect was on board an Accra-bound bus from Kumasi when the backpack fell off. Police officers nearby were alerted and apprehended him after he claimed ownership of the bag,” ACP Nyaaba said.

He noted that investigations have already begun, and the suspect will be “processed for court for the necessary action” soon.

The commander used the incident to send a strong warning to criminals and would-be offenders across the region.

“We have stepped up our operation to rid our community of all criminals and social misfits, and create a congenial atmosphere for the good people to go about their socio-economic activities without fear or hindrance.”

He urged the public to partner with the Police in the fight against crime by volunteering information.

“We cannot do this alone. Community vigilance is key,” he added.

The arrest has sparked concern given the sheer quantity and variety of the military-style weapons and gear found on a single individual, raising questions about possible motives and connections.

Police say further updates will be provided as investigations continue.