The Ghana Police Service has arrested eight Nigerians alongside 66 other suspects during a series of intelligence-led anti-narcotics and crime suppression operations in the Upper East Region of the country.
It was learnt from a statement on Monday by the GPS that the operations targeted narcotics peddling, violent crimes, and other criminal activities within border communities and identified criminal hotspots.
The statement noted that the first operation was conducted on May 20, 2026, at Paga within the Ghana–Burkina Faso border buffer zone, leading to the arrest of 40 suspects made up of 28 males and 12 females.
It added that the suspects included 23 Ghanaians, eight Nigerians, six Burkinabés, one Malian, and one Togolese national.
The statement noted that exhibits recovered during the operation included parcels and sacks of suspected narcotic substances as well as five motorbikes allegedly used for distribution activities.
“The operation resulted in the arrest of 40 suspects, comprising 28 males and 12 females.
“The suspects include 23 Ghanaians, 8 Nigerians, 6 Burkinabés, 1 Malian, and 1 Togolese national,” the statement partly read.
The statement added that a separate operation conducted on May 22, 2026, within the Navrongo Municipality led to the arrest of 34 additional suspects, comprising 32 males and two females.
It added that police further recovered 11 motorbikes, quantities of suspected narcotic substances, and assorted foreign cigarettes during the raids.
The statement added that the suspects were arraigned before High Court Two, presided over by Justice Ernest Pascal Gemadzie on the same day.
According to the police, 16 suspects were remanded in police custody and are expected to reappear before the court on June 4, 2026, while 22 others are currently undergoing profiling for further action.
“The operation resulted in the arrest of 34 suspects, made up of 32 males and 2 females. Police also retrieved 11 motorbikes, quantities of suspected narcotic substances, and assorted foreign cigarettes.
“On the same date, the suspects were put before High Court Two, presided over by His Lordship Justice Ernest Pascal Gemadzie. 16 suspects were remanded into police custody to reappear before the court on 4th June 2026. The remaining 22 suspects are currently being profiled for further action.
“All the suspects remain in police custody assisting investigations, while efforts continue to identify and arrest other persons connected to criminal activities within the affected areas,” the statement added.
It was reported on March 11 that authorities in Ghana arrested 93 Nigerians over alleged cybercrime and human trafficking activities in Accra, while rescuing 73 other Nigerians reportedly subjected to torture and abuse.
A report by ABC News GH had revealed that among those arrested were 91 men and two women facing charges related to cybercrime and immigration violations. The 73 rescued victims have been repatriated to Nigeria.
The mass arrests were said to have followed coordinated operations in six houses at the DEVTRACO Estate, targeting a network allegedly involved in internet fraud and unlawful detention of individuals.
Source: Punch
