The IGP Special Operations Team has intensified security operations across the Tamale Metropolis as part of efforts to clamp down on drug peddling, robbery, attacks on business operators, rape and other serious crimes during the festive season.
The operation, according to the Team, was conducted on 16 December 2025 and forms part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety at a time when economic activity and the risk of criminal incidents typically increase.
The team boosted both highway and community patrols and deployed personnel to identified crime hotspots across the metropolis.
A statement issued on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, indicated that 105 officers were deployed for the operation under the command of ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, with support from 10 service vehicles, including an armoured vehicle and a Black Maria for transporting suspects.
Prior to deployment, the officers were briefed to uphold professionalism, remain vigilant, and work cohesively throughout the exercise.
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Arrests and Seizures
The patrols yielded several arrests based on intelligence gathered during the operation.
At Taha, officers arrested Gladys Lariba after a search of her residence uncovered toffees mixed with dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, along with additional quantities of the substance. Another individual at the scene, Joseph Christian, was also arrested after being found with a wrap of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
At Gumbihini, suspects Musah Stephen and Fatau Issahaku were arrested for possessing Tramadol capsules. Their interrogation led the team to a suspected supplier identified as Hidir. A search at his location resulted in the retrieval of a BB cartridge and more dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. Hidir, however, fled before officers arrived and remains at large.
Further intelligence from the Gulkpegu Chief Task Force led to the arrest of Amina Isahaku and her husband, Muhammed Sumaila, at Vitting. They were found with boxes of Tramadol capsules and named Hikima Yahaya as their supplier.
A search at Hikima Yahaya’s residence uncovered quantities of Tramadol capsules, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and packaging materials. During the search, Rahman Abudu, who was present, was arrested after being found with Tramadol capsules. Hikima Yahaya also fled before the team arrived and is currently at large.
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Ongoing Investigations
All arrested suspects were taken to the Sakasaka Police Station and are being held pending further investigation. The seized exhibits have been handed over to investigators for screening and forensic analysis. Efforts are underway to track down the two suspects who escaped and to dismantle the broader drug distribution network operating within the metropolis.
The Special Operations Team says it remains committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring a safe environment for all residents of the Tamale Metropolis.
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Read the full statement and watch the video below:
Date: 16 December 2025
Location: Tamale Metropolis
The IGP Special Operations Team intensified its daily operations within the Tamale Metropolis as part of its mandate to clamp down on drug peddling, robbery, attacks on commercial business vendors, rape, and other serious crimes that pose a threat to national security.
In recognition of the festive season, during which economic activities significantly increase and the likelihood of criminal activities heightens, the team intensified both highway and community patrols. Strategic deployments were also made at identified crime hotspots across the metropolis to deter criminal activity and ensure public safety.
A total of one hundred and five (105) personnel were deployed for the operation under the leadership of ASP/ Mr Bawah Abdul Jalil. Ten (10) service vehicles were utilized, including one armored vehicle and a Black Maria vehicle designated for the conveyance of suspects.
Prior to the commencement of the operation, all personnel were thoroughly briefed to maintain a high level of professionalism, demonstrate teamwork, and remain vigilant throughout the exercise.
The team commenced operations with combined highway and community patrols across the Tamale Metropolis.
During the patrol, intelligence was received indicating that one Gladys Lariba, a resident of Taha, was involved in drug peddling activities. Acting promptly on the information, the team proceeded to the suspect’s residence where a search was conducted.
This led to the arrest of Gladys Lariba, who was found in possession of quantities of toffees mixed with dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. A further search of the premises resulted in the retrieval of additional quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
At the same location, one Joseph Christian, who was present at the scene, was also arrested after being found in possession of one wrap of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The patrol continued, and at Gumbihini, Musah Stephen and Fatau Issahaku were arrested on intelligence for being in possession of Tramadol capsules. Further interrogation of the suspects led the team to another individual identified as Hidir, alleged to be a supplier within the area.
A search at the indicated location resulted in the retrieval of one BB cartridge and additional quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. However, the suspect managed to flee prior to the team’s arrival and is currently at large.
Subsequently, the team received information from the Gulkpegu Chief Task Force, which led to the arrest of Amina Isahaku and her husband, Muhammed Sumaila, at Vitting. The suspects were found in possession of boxes of Tramadol capsules. Upon interrogation, they mentioned one Hikima Yahaya as their supplier.
The team proceeded to the residence of Hikima Yahaya in the same area, where a search was conducted.
During the search, quantities of Tramadol capsules, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and wraps used for packaging the substances were retrieved. While the search was ongoing, one Rahman Abudu, who was present at the scene, was found in possession of quantities of Tramadol capsules and was subsequently arrested.
The suspect Hikima Yahaya, however, fled before the team’s arrival and is currently at large.
All arrested suspects were conveyed to the Sakasaka Police Station, where they are currently in detention pending further investigations. The exhibits retrieved during the operations were duly handed over to investigators for further screening and forensic analysis.
Investigations are ongoing to identify, locate, and apprehend the two suspects who are currently at large. Efforts are also being intensified to dismantle the wider drug distribution network operating within the metropolis.
The successful conduct of this operation underscores the commitment, professionalism, and operational effectiveness of the IGP Special Operations Team in safeguarding lives and property within the Tamale Metropolis, particularly during the festive season. The arrests made and exhibits retrieved demonstrate the team’s proactive approach to intelligence-led policing and crime prevention.
The operation further highlights the importance of inter-agency and community collaboration, notably the invaluable support and timely intelligence provided by the Gulkpegu Chief Task Force.
This collaborative effort significantly enhanced the operational outcomes and reaffirmed the critical role of community partnerships in the fight against crime. The Special Operations Team remains resolute in its mission to maintain law and order and to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents.
VKB/AM
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