Police Arrest 6 Suspected Armed Robbers, Recover 33 Stolen Phones in Crackdown on Robbery Syndicate in Kumasi

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery following the arrest of suspected members and associates of an organised armed robbery syndicate operating in parts of the region.

The Police made the disclosure on Monday, August 31, 2026, during a press briefing at the Ashanti Regional Police Command.

According to the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, who addressed the press, the arrests were carried out by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit, Kumasi, following intelligence-led operations conducted throughout August.

The Police said preliminary investigations have linked the suspects to a number of reported street robbery incidents at Kaase, Ahinsan Estate, Santasi New Site, Bronikrom, Kwadaso Estate and other locations within the Ashanti Region.

Among the suspects identified by the Police are Philip Nyarko, alias “Kawawa”, 23; Hadi Samed, alias “Toronto”, 20; Issahaku Musah, alias “Isak”, 23; Suraj Mohammed, alias “Baba Nde” or “Trouble”, 27; Hadi Abdul Majeed, alias “Panie”, 23; and Foster Owusu Afriyie, alias “Joe Fraizer”, 45.

33 MOBILE PHONES RECOVERED

The Police disclosed that a search conducted at the residence of Foster Owusu Afriyie resulted in the recovery of 33 assorted mobile phones, believed to be the property of robbery victims.

The Command said efforts are underway to identify the rightful owners and establish the circumstances under which the phones were obtained.

At the residence of Philip Nyarko, alias “Kawawa”, Police also recovered a Kawasaki motorcycle, reportedly 600 horsepower, which is suspected to have been used in some of the criminal activities under investigation.

Other exhibits recovered include two machetes, one iPhone 13 and five keypad mobile phones suspected to belong to victims of robbery.

POLICE ARREST SUSPECTED PHONE UNLOCKING ASSOCIATE

Further investigations led to the arrest of Augustine Agyemang Duah, a resident of Adum P.Z., who the Police suspect assisted members of the syndicate in unlocking mobile phones believed to have been stolen.

A laptop suspected to have been used for the activity was recovered from his residence and retained as an exhibit.

KNIVES, MACHETES AND MOTORCYCLES RECOVERED

The Police said that on August 24, 2026, Issahaku Musah, alias “Isak”; Hadi Abdul Majeed, alias “Panie”; and Hadi Samed, alias “Toronto”, were arrested at Atonsu, Aboabo and Asawase respectively.

Searches conducted at their respective residences led to the recovery of knives and machetes suspected to be connected to the reported robberies.

The Police also arrested Fatawo Alhassan, alias “2Pac”, and Foster Owusu Afriyie, alias “Joe Fraizer”, at the Airport Roundabout in Kumasi.

According to the Police, the two are suspected of purchasing stolen mobile phones from members of the alleged syndicate.

Meanwhile, Suraj Mohammed, alias “Baba Nde”, whom the Police described as a suspected accomplice and leading member of the group, was arrested at Asawase.

Two motorcycles were recovered from his residence and are suspected to have been used in some of the criminal activities under investigation.

SOME SUSPECTS HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN ARRESTED

The Police Commander further disclosed that Philip Nyarko, alias “Kawawa”; Hadi Samed, alias “Toronto”; and Abdul Shattar had previously been arrested on December 6, 2025, for alleged conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery.

They were arraigned before the Asokwa Circuit Court 1, where the case remains pending, and were subsequently granted bail.

The Police said investigations indicate that some of the suspects allegedly resumed their criminal activities after their release.

Abdul Shattar, however, is currently at large, with the Police intensifying efforts to locate and arrest him.

SIX PERSONS STILL WANTED

The Police also named six persons they believe may be connected to the suspected syndicate and who are currently at large.

They are Andy, Umaru, Dauda, Malik, Abdul Shattar and Abdul Farouk.

The Command has appealed to members of the public with information about their whereabouts to report to the Police.

The public has been cautioned not to confront or attempt to arrest any of the suspects, but to provide information to the Police and allow law enforcement authorities to handle the matter.

POLICE VOW TO DISMANTLE THE NETWORK

The Ashanti Regional Police Command said investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in the reported robberies, identify other persons connected to the suspected network and recover additional stolen property.

The arrested suspects are expected to be processed for arraignment before the appropriate court as the Police pursue the necessary legal processes.

The Command stressed that its objective is not merely to arrest individual suspects but to dismantle the suspected criminal network, recover stolen property and prevent further attacks on residents of the Ashanti Region.

The Police also appealed to residents who have lost mobile phones or other valuables during robbery incidents to contact the Command if they recognise any of the recovered items.

SOT COMMENDED FOR SUPPORT

The Ashanti Regional Police Commander also commended the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team (SOT) for its continued operational and investigative support.

According to the Command, the sustained collaboration between the SOT and the Ashanti Regional Police Command has strengthened intelligence-led operations and contributed significantly to the detection of crime, apprehension of suspects and disruption of organised criminal activities in the region.

The Police assured residents, particularly those in the Kumasi Metropolis, that they remain vigilant and committed to protecting lives and property.

The Command said it will continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations, targeted policing and collaboration with communities to tackle armed robbery and other violent crimes.

The Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, motorcycles or activities as investigations into the suspected robbery syndicate continue.