The Ghana Police Service has arrested ten suspected armed robbers believed to be behind a series of violent bank robberies that have terrorized rural
The Ghana Police Service has arrested ten suspected armed robbers believed to be behind a series of violent bank robberies that have terrorized rural communities across the country in recent months.
The breakthrough was announced at a press briefing at the National Police Headquarters in Accra on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
The arrests, which followed six months of sustained intelligence operations, are being described as one of the biggest crime-busting operations in recent years.
Police say the syndicate, numbering about fifteen, specialized in attacking rural and community banks, snatching weapons from security personnel, and breaking into vaults using industrial cutting machines.
Background of Attacks
Between April and September 2025, the gang was linked to at least twelve major robberies across the Ahafo, Western, Central, Eastern, and Ashanti regions.
Their first known attack occurred on April 10 at the Adansi Rural Bank in Fomena, where they overpowered security guards, stole cash, and seized two pump-action guns.
Subsequent targets included the Lower Pra Rural Bank in Takoradi (April 24), Asokore Rural Bank in Kumasi (May 18), Ahafo Kukom Community Bank (May 30), and the Nnwabiagya Rural Bank in Offinso (July 10).
In some cases, the gang succeeded in breaking into vaults; in others, police response foiled their attempts.
On September 8, the group escalated its operations by attacking the Ecobank branch in Kenyasi, where they held two police officers hostage at gunpoint and seized their AK-47 rifles.
Their final known strike came on September 14 at the St. Martin De Pores Cooperative Credit Union in Atonsu Monaco, where they again tied up security and stole cash.
Arrests and Shootouts
According to police, the syndicate’s leader, Kwasi Agyei, alias Cobra, was arrested at his hideout in Esereso Adagya.
Two AK-47 rifles stolen from police officers during the Kenyasi Ecobank robbery were recovered from his residence. Cobra allegedly confessed and named his accomplices.
Further raids led to the arrest of other key suspects, including David Obuobi, alias Wasty, who was found with seven pump-action guns, four pistols, and large quantities of ammunition.
Another suspect, Stephen Sey, was caught with an AK-47 rifle that police later identified as belonging to an officer killed in a robbery in November 2024.
Three suspects — identified as X5, Boosen, and Natty Bongo — died after exchanging gunfire with police.
Two others, including ex-convict Kwabena Owusu Ansah, alias Kobby, believed to be the mastermind, remain at large.
Recovered Items
Police displayed a cache of seized weapons and valuables, including:
Three AK-47 rifles
Seven pump-action guns with 96 rounds of ammunition
Four foreign pistols
A single-barrel gun
Over GH¢18,000 in cash and foreign currencies (including U.S. dollars, Liberian dollars, and CFA francs)
Six vehicles, four motorbikes, assorted mobile phones, and jewelry
One of the AK-47 rifles was confirmed as the service weapon of a police corporal murdered on the Bibiani-Goaso Highway in November 2024, linking the syndicate to that unsolved killing.
Police Assurances
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, officers assured the public that the remaining fugitives would be tracked down.
“This is a clear warning to criminals that you may run and hide, but we will surely get you,” the police declared.
The IGP commended the Ashanti Regional Command and intelligence teams for their dedication, noting that the successful dismantling of the syndicate reflected the service’s renewed focus on intelligence-led policing.
Investigations are ongoing, and the arrested suspects are expected to face prosecution in the coming days.
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