Police gun down notorious highway robber

A suspected member of a notorious robbery gang operating along the Atebubu–Yeji highway, identified as Mahamadu Gariba Kirror, has died after sustaining gunshot injuries during a police operation aimed at arresting his accomplices.

According to police sources, “the suspect was arrested on January 31, 2026, at about 10:30 hours, following intelligence-led operations.

“A search conducted on him at the time of arrest led to the recovery of several exhibits, including a locally manufactured pistol, two live BB cartridges, one Samsung Galaxy A07 mobile phone, two keypad mobile phones and a talisman.

“Subsequent investigations established that the Samsung Galaxy A07 mobile phone belonged to Nafisa Owusu Haruna, a resident of Yeji, who was among several commuters attacked by an armed robbery gang on the Atebubu–Yeji highway on January 29, 2026, at about 22:15 hours.”

During that robbery incident, a mini-van with registration number AS-6444-14, which was conveying passengers along the stretch, came under attack.

Police say the driver of the vehicle was shot and Nafisa Owusu Haruna was also shot and killed by the assailants.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted that he and his accomplices shot and killed the driver of the mini-van and succeeded in robbing passengers on board.

He is reported to have further mentioned Umaru, Issifu, Furgur, Ibrahim, Shaibu and Yelow as members of the robbery gang.

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“On February 1, 2026, at about 19:45 hours, the suspect led a police team to a nearby bush within the Atebubu Municipality, where his accomplices were believed to be hiding, “the police said in a statement.

However, as the team approached the location, the suspect allegedly advised officers to use a footpath leading to the hideout but suddenly attempted to escape by running towards a nearby forest.

Police fired shots in an attempt to restrain him, during which he sustained gunshot injuries.

He was rushed to the Atebubu Government Hospital for medical attention but was pronounced dead by the medical officer on duty.

The body has since been deposited at the same hospital’s mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Meanwhile, police say the Samsung Galaxy A07 mobile phone has been identified by Nadia Haruna, a resident of Yeji, as her phone, which was stolen during the robbery attack on January 29, 2026.

AM