The IGP Special Operations Team on Wednesday encountered a violent clash during an intelligence-led operation at the Aboabo Forest enclave in the Tamale Metropolis.

The police said the team, while advancing through the area in search of gangs involved in robbery and trafficking of illicit drugs, came under sudden gunfire from a group of armed criminals. 

One suspect was struck during the exchange, the source said.

“The attack placed the lives of team members in danger. Acting in line with police rules of engagement and legitimate self-defence protocols, the officers returned fire to neutralise the threat,” the report said.

The remaining armed individuals fled the scene with their weapons as reinforcements closed in, the source added.

The team, per reports, approached the injured suspect with the intention of providing assistance and transporting him to the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

However, on arrival, the attending medical officer pronounced the
suspect dead.

The source said the body has since been deposited at the mortuary for preservation, pending autopsy.

The confrontation confirmed earlier intelligence indicating that the criminal elements within the area were heavily armed and prepared to violently resist arrest.

Earlier during the day, the IGP Special Operations Team paid a courtesy call on the leader of Masjidul Bayan, Sheikh Basha, as part of its operational activities in the Northern Region.

 Assistant Superintendent of Police Bawah Abdul Jalil, who led the team, comprising 50 personnel, was received warmly by Sheikh Basha, together with several Imams and community elders.

 ASP Abdul Jalil briefed the religious leaders on the team’s mandate, which focuses on combating robbery, attacks on mobile money vendors, rape, illicit drug peddling, and other crimes affecting national security.

Sheikh Basha offered prayers, encouragement, and support for the police, praising their efforts in safeguarding communities.

The team proceeded to Sanzhirigu, where intelligence suggested that a particular house was being used for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs. 

The source said on arrival, the officers found several individuals on the premises and arrested five suspects.

Substantial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, along with bottles of Koffex syrup, were recovered.

Subsequent intelligence led the team to Aboabo Forest, a known hideout for gangs engaged in robbery and drug trafficking. 

The coordinated swoop led to the arrest of 27 suspects.

 Items retrieved included quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, significant quantities of opioid tablets, six motorbikes believed to be stolen, and three mobile phones also suspected to be stolen. 

According to the source, the entire area was secured to prevent escapes
and ensure the safety of officers and civilians.

All suspects arrested were transported to the District Charge Office and the Sakasaka Police Station for detention and further investigation. 

The seized substances were handed over to investigators for forensic examination and laboratory analysis, while the suspected stolen motorbikes and mobile phones were deposited at the station for safekeeping and verification.

Throughout the day’s activities, the 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.