Three suspected robbers shot dead in Ashanti police operation on Christmas Eve

Three suspected armed robbers were killed during a shootout with police in a bush between Anwiankwanta and Jacobu Junction in the Ashanti Region on Christmas Eve.

Police said the deceased were part of a five-member gang that opened fire on officers during an intelligence-led operation, forcing police to return fire.

Two other suspects managed to escape and are currently on the run.

The suspects who died were identified as Seidu Issah, 29, Musah Yakubu, 35, and Yahaya Munkaila, also known as Tijani, 25. They sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for preservation and autopsy.

A police situational report (SITREP), a copy of which has been seen by Graphic Online, said investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to track down the two remaining suspects and retrieve additional weapons.

The SITREP indicated that Seidu Issah, Yahaya Munkaila and their accomplices were wanted in connection with several robberies and killings in Manso, Jacobu and the Anwiankwanta areas.

According to the report, on December 24, 2025, the Ashanti Regional Police Command received intelligence that the gang had converged in a bush between Anwiankwanta and Jacobu Junction and was allegedly preparing to attack road users along the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi stretch.

An intelligence-led operation was subsequently mounted, with four police service vehicles deployed to raid the hideout near Anwiankwanta.

“The team on arrival spotted about five young men with guns. The gang on seeing police opened fire and attempted to escape through the bush,” the SITREP stated.

Police responded tactically, resulting in three of the suspects sustaining fatal gunshot injuries, while the other two, believed to have also suffered gunshot wounds, escaped through the bush.

A search at the scene led to the recovery of two pump-action guns loaded with six rounds of ammunition each, as well as one unbranded pistol.

Also retrieved was a sack containing 25 live cartridges and six spent cartridges.

Manhunts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network, while investigations continue into the gang’s activities and the source of the weapons recovered.