The IGP Special Operations Team on Tuesday encountered fierce armed resistance during an intelligence-led operation at the Aboabo Forest enclave in the Tamale Metropolis, resulting in the death of one suspect and the arrest of 32 others linked to robbery, drug trafficking, and related crimes.

According to police sources, the team was advancing through the forest area—identified as a hideout for heavily armed criminal gangs—when they came under sudden gunfire from unidentified attackers.

The exchange of fire placed officers in immediate danger, prompting them to respond in line with police rules of engagement and self-defence protocols.

One suspect was struck during the shootout, while the remaining gunmen fled with their weapons as reinforcements approached.

Officers attempted to transport the injured suspect to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has since been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The confrontation, police say, confirms earlier intelligence that criminal elements operating in the enclave were prepared to violently resist arrest.

The clash occurred after a series of earlier operations conducted by the Special Operations Team across the Tamale area. Before heading to Aboabo, the officers—led by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil—paid a courtesy call on Sheikh Basha, leader of Masjidul Bayan.

The visit, involving fifty personnel and eight service vehicles, formed part of the team’s engagement with community and religious leaders.

Sheikh Basha, accompanied by several Imams and elders, commended the police for their dedication to combating robbery, rape, attacks on mobile money vendors, illicit drug peddling, and other threats to national security.

He offered prayers and pledged continued support to the team.

Following the visit, the unit proceeded to Sanzhirigu, where intelligence pointed to a residence allegedly used for the sale and consumption of illegal drugs.

A raid on the property led to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as bottles of Koffex syrup.

Further intelligence guided the team to Aboabo Forest, where a wider swoop resulted in the arrest of twenty-seven additional suspects.

Items seized included large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, opioid tablets, six motorbikes believed to be stolen, and three mobile phones suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

Officers secured the entire enclave to prevent escapes and protect both personnel and civilians.

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

The seized narcotic substances have been handed over for forensic and laboratory examination, while the suspected stolen motorbikes and mobile phones are being kept for verification.

Police say the operations demonstrated the team’s high level of discipline, tactical coordination, and adherence to professional standards.

Despite the armed resistance, the IGP Special Operations Team remained resolute in its mission to disrupt violent gangs and dismantle criminal networks operating within the Tamale Metropolis.