The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team encountered a violent confrontation during an intelligence-led operation at the Aboabo Forest enclave in the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region. 

While advancing through the area in search of criminal gangs involved in robbery and the trafficking of illicit drugs, the officers came under sudden gunfire from a group of armed criminals.

“The attack placed the lives of team members in immediate danger.

“Acting in line with police rules of engagement and legitimate self-defence protocols, the officers returned fire to neutralise the threat. One suspect was struck during the exchange.

The remaining armed individuals fled the scene with their weapons as reinforcements closed in,” a police report said.

The team, it said, approached the injured suspect with the intention of providing assistance and transporting him to the Tamale Teaching Hospital and that upon arrival, the attending medical officer pronounced the suspect dead.

The body was subsequently deposited at the mortuary for preservation pending autopsy.

“The confrontation confirmed earlier intelligence indicating that the criminal elements within the area were heavily armed and prepared to violently resist arrest,” the report said.

Earlier in the day, the report said the special operations team had paid a courtesy call on the leader of Masjidul Bayan, a mosque in the metropolis, Sheikh Basha, as part of its operational activities in the Northern Region.

The visit was led by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and involved 50 personnel supported by eight service vehicles, including a Black Maria.

Sheikh Basha, together with several Imams and community elders, warmly received the team. 

During the engagement, ASP Abdul Jalil briefed the religious leaders on the team’s mandate, which focused on combating robbery, attacks on mobile money vendors, rape, illicit drug peddling and other crimes affecting national security.

“Sheikh Basha offered prayers, encouragement and support for the police, praising their efforts in safeguarding communities,” the report said.

Following the courtesy call, the report said the team proceeded to Sanzhirigu, where intelligence suggested that a particular house was being used for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs.

Upon arrival, officers found several individuals on the premises and arrested five suspects.

Substantial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, along with bottles of Koffex syrup, were recovered.

Subsequent intelligence led the team to Aboabo Forest, a known hideout for gangs engaged in robbery and drug trafficking.

“Throughout the day’s activities, the IGP Special Operations Team maintained high levels of discipline, tactical coordination and adherence to rules of engagement.

Their professionalism remained evident even in the face of armed resistance, reinforcing public confidence in the ongoing efforts to curb violent crime and criminal networks within the Tamale Metropolis,” the report said.