Police arrest notorious suspect over AK-47 possession in Bawku

The Ghana Police Service has taken custody of a 27-year-old man, Abdul Basit, following his arrest for unlawful possession of an assault rifle at Sakabo, a suburb of Bawku.

According to an official account from the police, the suspect was initially arrested on April 13, 2026, by a military patrol team during an operation in the area. The team, while on routine patrol, reportedly heard gunshots and immediately moved toward the location to assess the situation.

Upon reaching the scene, the officers spotted the suspect attempting to flee. He was seen running into a room in an apparent effort to evade arrest, but was swiftly pursued and apprehended by the security personnel. A search conducted in the room led to the retrieval of an AK-47 assault rifle together with 31 rounds of ammunition.

Police say during interrogation, the suspect admitted ownership of the weapon. He has since been handed over to the Upper East Regional Police Command for further investigations.

“The suspect is currently in Police custody assisting investigations and will be put before court to face justice,” the Ghana Police Service stated.

Residents in Sakabo and its surrounding communities have expressed relief over the arrest, describing Abdul Basit as a “notorious criminal” who had allegedly been terrorizing the area for some time. Many residents say his arrest marks a significant step toward restoring a sense of safety and normalcy in the community.

Some locals indicated that they are closely following developments in the case and are hopeful that the legal process will be swift and decisive. The arrest comes at a time when security concerns remain high in Bawku, making the development particularly significant for residents.

The police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order in the area and urged the public to support ongoing efforts by volunteering credible information to assist investigations and prevent further incidents.

Security agencies continue to intensify operations in and around Bawku as part of broader efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.