IGP Special Operations Team under fire online for shaving alleged drug dealer's hair

The IGP Special Operations Team, a highly trained tactical unit within the Ghana Police Service, is mandated to carry out high‑risk arrests, intelligence‑led raids, anti‑narcotics operations, and rapid interventions in areas where conventional policing faces resistance.

The team is known for its mobility, specialised equipment and ability to enter volatile communities where criminal networks often intimidate or obstruct regular police officers.

It was during one of such operations that the team arrested a man called Iddrisu, who is suspected of engaging in illegal drug activities in the Tolon District.

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Before the arrest, the suspect had allegedly threatened the team and warned them not to enter the district, a move that reportedly heightened the urgency of the operation.

But in a viral video circulating on X, it showed officers of the team trimming the suspect’s hair shortly after his arrest, a scene that has ignited fierce debates across social media.

Critics described the haircut as unnecessary and potentially unlawful.

According to these users, while the arrest itself may have been justified, the grooming action could be seen as “an abuse of power” or “public humiliation.”

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They added that if the actions from the operations team is wrong, then the said suspected drug dealer needs to sue them for such a behaviour.

One user wrote, "Do we have any right that protects the kind of hairstyle to wear, dressing or the kind of life to live??

"If yes, he needs to get a lawyer and sue them. Hairstyle doesn’t shape your behaviour or lifestyle."

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Another user said, "Exactly what our slave masters did to us to demean our confidence and belittle our spirits."

For this user, he questioned the hygiene of the process, asking whether the tool used to shave Iddrisu’s hair had been properly cleaned.

He wrote: "But this is wrong. How do we know the scissors is clean or unused and not risking infection transmission? Charle nipa bi agyimi oo. You arrest um take um to court err. What is the benefit of this?

"This is degrading treatment. Forcibly cutting a suspect’s hair is not lawful punishment and it violates the dignity of the individual. It is worrying that officers tasked with enforcing the law appear unaware of the very laws they are sworn to uphold. Will there be accountability for the officers involved, or will this be ignored?"

Yet another user said, "@GhPoliceService, why are your officers cutting a man’s hair? The Constitution is clear on fundamental human rights. No person, whether arrested or detained, shall be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, or to any condition that undermines their dignity and worth as a human being. This action falls squarely within what the Constitution prohibits."

Generally, the work of the IGP Special Operations Team also frequently involves dismantling drug hubs, neutralising armed gangs, and restoring state authority in hard‑to‑reach districts.

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Watch the video and read some more comments below:

The IGP Special Operations Team arrested Iddrisu, a suspected illegal drug dealer, and gave him a haircut after he threatened the team and warned them against entering the Tolon District. pic.twitter.com/BOlBnttmOt
— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) December 14, 2025

This is dehumanizing
He’s still a suspect but you trampled on his human rights
— Viktorr (@oged_e) December 15, 2025

This has nothing to do with law enforcement, it’s abuse of power and human rights, you can prosecute a criminal without abusing their rights, is cutting his hair some legal proscribed punishment or just an act to exact power on the arrested?
— Ekun Ókò Iya Yin (@TheOmoAbake) December 15, 2025

I see people are so passive and don't care abt this abuse because the person being abused has been branded drug dealer. Is that all it takes just branded and he deserve this. Wait till they arrest, harass you and to justify their act brand you criminal. https://t.co/RGtG1eHFgU
— kwakuy (@kwakuyeboah22) December 14, 2025

Do we have any right that protect the kind of hairstyle to wear, dressing or the kind of life to live??

If yes the he need to get a lawyer and sue them, hairstyle doesn’t shape your behavior or lifestyle ✍️
— Sirh Gabby (@GabbySirh) December 14, 2025

Exactly what our slave masters did to us to demean our confidence and belittle our spirits.
.
— worlasi (@worlasigh) December 14, 2025

We come from a place that iQ is Low and poverty is High so we respect those that are fly not those who are wise….. some of our leaders are fools
— #KalysHouse (@drakedewoo1) December 14, 2025

This is degrading treatment.
Forcibly cutting a suspect’s hair is not lawful punishment and it violates the dignity of the individual. It is worrying that officers tasked with enforcing the law appear unaware of the very laws they are sworn to uphold. Will there be accountability… pic.twitter.com/PufRM5d8p3
— Peace & War (@PeaceWarInsight) December 14, 2025

What happened to the Court ? What kind of barbaric behaviour is that.
— Enough Said (@edudzi____) December 14, 2025

We don’t have pro bono lawyers? @barkervogues didn’t see this one or the guy no get money so …

Poor man matter hard for this Kentry
— SOCIAL CHANGE & DATA (@dermyMarlkson) December 14, 2025