The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team came under violent attack during an intelligence-led operation at the Aboabo Forest enclave in the Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region.
According to a police report, the officers were advancing through the area in search of criminal gangs linked to robbery and illicit drug trafficking when they were suddenly fired upon by armed suspects.
“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,” the report stated.
Police said the team then approached the injured suspect to offer assistance and transport him to the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
However, upon arrival, a medical officer pronounced him dead. The body has since been deposited at the mortuary, awaiting autopsy.
The report added that the confrontation affirmed earlier intelligence suggesting that criminal groups in the area were heavily armed and prepared to resist arrest violently.
Earlier in the day, the Special Operations Team had paid a courtesy call on Sheikh Basha, leader of Masjidul Bayan in Tamale, as part of its broader activities in the region.
The visit, led by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and supported by 50 personnel and eight service vehicles, including a Black Maria, was warmly received by the cleric, several Imams, and community elders.
During the engagement, ASP Abdul Jalil outlined the team’s mandate, which includes tackling robbery, attacks on mobile money vendors, rape, drug peddling, and other crimes threatening 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 team proceeded to Sanzhirigu, where intelligence pointed to a house suspected of being used for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs. Officers found several individuals on the premises and arrested five suspects. They also seized quantities of dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp and bottles of Koffex syrup.
Further intelligence led the team to Aboabo Forest, identified as a hideout for gangs involved 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 added.
