The IGP Special Operations Team has intensified its security operations in the Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region, arresting several suspects and disrupting the circulation of illicit drugs as part of ongoing efforts to combat crime in the area.

The operation, conducted on Monday, January 19, 2026, deployed a total of 105 personnel led by DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil and DSP Philip Perdison.

The exercise forms part of a broader security initiative targeting robbery, kidnapping, drug peddling, sexual offences, attacks on mobile money vendors and other criminal activities.

Before the start of the operation, the personnel were briefed by the Team Commander, DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, who stressed the importance of professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to human rights throughout the exercise.

As part of the day’s activities, the team paid a courtesy visit to Tamale Technical University (TaTU) at the invitation of the Vice-Chancellor.

The delegation was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bashiru Imoro Iden Saed; the campus security contractor, Mr. Karimu Hardi of Hadra Security Ltd.; and the University’s Head of Security, Rtd. WO I Akanteba Lawson.

Prof. Saed commended the IGP Special Operations Team, the Inspector-General of Police and the Ghana Police Service for their proactive approach to maintaining law and order in the Tamale Metropolis.

He drew attention to growing security concerns on university campuses, particularly incidents of theft at the University Hospital, and called for enhanced security measures to protect students, staff and property.

In response, DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil assured the university authorities of the team’s commitment to working closely with educational institutions and addressing the identified security challenges through sustained collaboration.

Following the engagement at TaTU, the team carried out intelligence-led patrols at identified crime-prone locations across the metropolis.

At the Water Works area, two suspects—Alhassan Abdul Shakun and Hawa Yakubu—were arrested for possession of substances suspected to be Royal 225 and Indian hemp, respectively.

At the Aboabo Market, seven individuals were arrested for possession of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

They included Ikram Abdul Razak, Farouk Nahim, Issah Mohammed, Abdulai Fuseini, Umaru Zulkarina, Mohammed Marawu and Shaibu Ibrahim.

Further arrests were made at the Kamina Barracks enclave, where seven suspects were apprehended for possession of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and quantities of Koffex cough syrup.

They were identified as Simi Michael, Abdul Lasa, Iddi Suraya, Franklina Owusu, Albert Anafo, Sadiq Alhassan and Ziblina Muntala.

In addition, three individuals who identified themselves as military personnel were arrested at the same location for possession and use of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

After verification of their identities, they were handed over to the Regional Military Police Command in line with Police Service Instructions (SI) 167, which governs the handling of service personnel involved in criminal cases.

All other suspects have been detained at the Sakasaka Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations, while the seized exhibits have been secured for forensic analysis.

Police authorities described the operation as a success, noting that it significantly disrupted illicit drug activities within the metropolis.

The Ghana Police Service said the intelligence-led approach and coordinated efforts of the IGP Special Operations Team continue to strengthen public safety and reinforce confidence in security operations across Tamale.