'Scatter' at various criminal hideouts in Tamale; IGP's taskforce arrest 19 suspects [VIDEO]

The Special Operations Taskforce, formed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is in Tamale, to help the metropolis get rid of illicit drug peddlers and clamp down on criminal hideouts. A total of 19 suspects were arrested at the weekend during a swoop.

The all male persons are made up of five suspected drug peddlers, 13 gang members and one individual found in possession of a firearm and ammunition without lawful authority.

The taskforce recovered and secured quantities of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, sachets of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs and one locally manufactured single-barrel gun along with 13 BB cartridges.

The rest are motorbikes suspected to be stolen as well as mobile phones and assorted electronic devices.

Exhibits 

"All exhibits have been catalogued and securely stored," a police report said and that "All suspects were detained at the Tamale Regional Police Headquarters for screening, profiling, and further investigation."

It said police presence in the targeted communities was significantly strengthened, resulting in the dismantling of several criminal dens and disrupting ongoing unlawful activities. Community members expressed relief and cooperated fully with the personnel throughout the exercise.

The team, which started the operation around 7:30 p.m., last Thursday, returned to base at approximately 0500 hours with no casualties recorded.

"The operation was highly successful, yielding multiple arrests and the recovery of critical exhibits linked to ongoing criminal activities. The presence and decisive actions of the IGP Special Operations Team greatly enhanced public safety and reinforced confidence within the affected communities.

Mission 

"This mission once again demonstrates the unwavering commitment, discipline, and professionalism of the Special Operations Team in combating crime and ensuring peace and stability within the region," the report, said.

It said the team remained resolute in its mandate to protect life and property and stands ready to execute future directives with the same dedication and excellence.

Personnel 

The operation involved 50 personnel from the IGP Special Operations Team, led by ASP/Mr Bawa Abdul Jalil.

A total of eight service vehicles, including one Black Maria, were deployed for the mission.

Based on actionable intelligence regarding the activities of suspected criminal elements within parts of the Tamale Metropolis—specifically relating to narcotics peddling, possession of offensive weapons, stolen motorbikes, and the operations of suspected gang groups—the IGP Special Operations Team conducted a coordinated night swoop on November 20, 2025.

The operation aimed to disrupt, neutralise, and dismantle emerging criminal threats within identified hotspots.

The operation was carried out to clamp down on criminal hideouts and flashpoints within the Tamale Metropolis, arrest suspects involved in robbery, narcotics distribution, motorbike theft, and other violent crimes and retrieve offensive weapons, contraband items, and suspected stolen properties.  

It was also to enhance public safety and restore community confidence in law enforcement efforts.

The locations identified and targeted based on prior intelligence are the    Aboabo Market, Lamashegu Inner Market, Kalpohini Area and the Tamale main market.

"The operation commenced at 1930 hours, following a detailed briefing by the command.

"Personnel were instructed to maintain a high level of professionalism, uphold teamwork, and remain vigilant throughout the exercise," adding that "the team initiated intensive patrols across the Tamale Metropolis, utilizing inner-city road networks before simultaneously advancing into designated hotspots."

The report said intelligence officers guided strike teams to structures and apprehend individuals of interest that had been previously monitored.

Multiple ghettos, kiosks, wooden structures, and suspected hideouts were thoroughly searched