Police Arrest 186 Suspects, Including 96 Nigerians, in Major Crime Crackdown in Ashanti Region

Police Arrest 186 Suspects, Including 96 Nigerians, in Major Crime Crackdown in Ashanti Region

The Ghana Police Service has arrested 186 suspects, including 96 Nigerians and four Togolese nationals, following a major intelligence-led operation targeting organised crime in the Ashanti Region.

The operation, carried out between June 8 and 17, 2026, was a joint effort between the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team from National Headquarters and the Ashanti Regional Police Command.

According to police, the exercise was aimed at identifying, breaking up, and shutting down criminal networks involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, drug trafficking, illegal gun possession, and other related crimes.

Acting on intelligence gathered through surveillance, target profiling, and careful planning, officers carried out coordinated raids in several communities including Asafo, Kenyase Aframa, Asokwa, Buokrom, Krofrom, Atonsu-Bokuro, Asawase, and Old Tafo Ahenbronum.

The arrests included 86 Ghanaians, 96 Nigerians, and four Togolese nationals.

A major breakthrough came on June 9 at Kenyase Aframa, where officers arrested Gladys Ibrahim, popularly known as “Mama Gee,” along with 96 Nigerian nationals and four Togolese nationals. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects are part of a transnational criminal network involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and drug trafficking.

Several people believed to have been exploited were rescued during the operation. Police said some of the victims were minors, who were immediately separated from the suspects and placed under protective care in line with child protection rules.

Foreign nationals identified as victims are being processed with help from the Ghana Immigration Service to complete immigration formalities and, where necessary, arrange for their repatriation.

The Police Service praised the Special Operations Team and the Ashanti Regional Police Command for their professionalism and dedication.

Investigations are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the suspected criminal network. Police said all suspects are either in custody or helping with investigations.

The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led policing and vowed to keep up the pressure on organised crime to ensure public safety.

Credit: Myjoyonline