Police in the Ashanti South Regional Command have shot dead three suspected armed robbers who attempted a highway robbery between Anwiankwanta and Jacobu in the Ashanti Region. Two others reportedly escaped arrest.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command revealed that intelligence indicated suspects Seidu, Tijani, and others—wanted in connection with several robberies and killings in Manso, Jacobu, Anwiankwanta, and surrounding areas—had gathered in a bush between Anwiankwanta and Jacobu junction, preparing to strike on the Anwiankwanta/Obuasi Highway.

An intelligence-led operation, spearheaded by ASP Nana Antwi Boadu with assistance from ASP Mr Princeton Peasah and other ranks, raided the bush. On arrival, police spotted about five armed young men.

“The gang, on seeing the police, opened fire and attempted to escape through the bush. Police returned fire, and three suspects sustained gunshot injuries, while the other two, with suspected gunshot wounds, managed to escape,” the command said.

The three suspects were pronounced dead at the Bekwai Municipal Hospital.

Police recovered two pump-action guns loaded with six rounds each, one unbranded pistol, a sack containing 25 live cartridges, and six spent cartridges.

The deceased have been identified as Seidu Issah (29), Musah Yakubu (35), and Yahaya Munkaila, aka Tijani (25), all of Fulani extraction.

According to police, the suspects admitted to multiple robberies in Jacobu and Manso, including a robbery at Jacobu Airport on November 3, 2025, which resulted in the killing of a security officer. They also confessed to highway robberies along the Manso stretch, including an incident at Antoakrom about two months ago, a robbery at Abofour Forest near Offinso on May 23, and an attack on a gold buyer at Anwiankwanta on December 8.

Tijani further implicated accomplices Issah Jordorma of Asante Mampong, Seidu Haruna of Nyinahin, Ibrahim, Seidu Balli, and Abubakar of Offinso Kokote, claiming some AK-47 assault rifles are hidden in bushes at Manso and Obuasi, police said.