Police, military intercept 1,000 rounds of ammunition in Nkwanta operations; two in custody
Security personnel in the Oti Region have intercepted 1,000 rounds of live ammunition in two separate intelligence-led operations in and around Nkwanta.
The operations, carried out on May 17, 2026, led to the arrest of two suspects, according to a statement issued by the Oti Regional Police Headquarters in Dambai.
The statement, signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police John Nchor, Public Affairs Officer for the Oti Region, said the first operation involved the interception of a 66-seater MGI passenger bus with registration number AS 248-P at a security checkpoint in Nkwanta.
Police officers who searched the vehicle recovered 750 live J/G cartridges concealed in a black polythene bag containing three brown boxes filled with ammunition.
According to the police, Hudu Mahama, 53, who was travelling on the bus as the driver’s mate, admitted ownership of the ammunition during preliminary interrogation.
Mr Mahama was subsequently arrested and remains in police custody assisting with investigations.
In a second operation on the same day, a joint Police-Military patrol team pursued a suspect riding a motorbike.
During the chase, a box containing 125 AA cartridges and 125 BB cartridges, making a total of 250 rounds, reportedly fell from the motorbike.
The rider escaped, while security personnel launched efforts to retrieve another box believed to have been taken away during the pursuit.
Following preliminary investigations, the police arrested Christian Kwasi Alonise, 57, in connection with the recovered ammunition
Police said both suspects were in custody assisting investigations, while all retrieved ammunition had been retained as exhibits.
The Ghana Police Service did not state whether the two operations were connected or whether investigators believed the ammunition had the same source or destination.
The latest seizure comes amid ongoing security concerns in the Nkwanta South Municipality, which has recorded recurring violent incidents in recent months.
In March 2026, the Oti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Alex Acquah, led a joint security delegation made up of police, military and intelligence officers to the area following attacks that claimed three lives, including students of Nkwanta Senior High School.
Security presence in the municipality has since been increased.
In another operation in April 2026, police in Nkwanta arrested two men, Richard Kpimbi, 27, and Latif Adam, 20, after recovering more than 11,000 rounds of ammunition and a firearm from a cargo truck at the Brewaniase barrier along the Eastern Corridor.
In the latest statement, the Ghana Police Service said the joint security team remained committed to maintaining peace and security in the area.
