Joint police-military operation cracks down on illegal arms in Bono Region
Joint security forces in the Bono Region have retrieved eight assorted weapons and arrested 24 suspects at Sampa in the Jaman North District, as part of efforts to tackle chieftaincy-related disturbances and the possession of illegal firearms.
The special joint police-military, intelligence-led operation was carried out by the Bono Regional Police Command in collaboration with the Third Infantry Battalion (3BN) and the Bureau of National Intelligence to clamp down on criminal activities and unlawful possession of weapons in the area.
Weapons and items seized
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Saturday, March 21, 2026, led to the recovery of weapons including five pump-action guns, a Baikal gun, two locally manufactured firearms, 790 rounds of AAA and BB cartridges, and one AK-47 round.
Other items retrieved included machetes, bayonets, clubs, body armour, foreign military jackets, mobile phones, motorbikes and a host of equipment believed to be linked to criminal activities in the area.
Arrests and suspects
In a press release signed by the Bono Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, the team also arrested 24 suspects, including seven minors.
The suspects are Losina Ibrahim, 21; Siaka Sirachi, 20; Samuel Nketia, 58; Wuli Kwabena Mensah, 54; Daniel Damoah, 16; Sie Mayr Alphonses, 17; Musah Shakure, 13; Akwasi Bio, 16; and Emmanuel Mensah Kofi, 18.
Others are Bright Sie Kwadwo, 20; Mohammed Yunus, 25; Mohammed Watara, 54; Abu Karim, 15; Latif Sereboma, 13; Sampson Kraa Yaw, 44; Issifu Karim, 22; Amadu Mahama Subo, 25; and Okra Marcus Akwasi, 17.
The rest are Emmanuel Sie, 28; Amid Issah, 56; Abu Amadu, 56; Takyi Poku, 78; Baba Yeboah Adams, 44; and Sah Kwaku Ankamah, 33.
The release explained that Emmanuel Sie and Emmanuel Mensah Kofi were apprehended for breaching curfew regulations.
It said all the suspects were currently in police custody, assisting with investigations.
Prosecution and public support
The statement indicated that preparations were underway to arraign the suspects before the court.
It said the operation demonstrated the commitment of security agencies in the region to root out criminal elements and illegal weapons from communities.
The command urged the public to provide credible information that could lead to further arrests, emphasising the vital role of community cooperation in maintaining safety and security.
It reiterated its determination to ensure the safety of residents and safeguard public property through continuous tactical operations and intelligence-led enforcement.
