Police in the Ashanti South Region have shot dead three suspected armed robbers during an intelligence-led operation along the Anwiankwanta–Jacobu stretch of the Obuasi Highway.
According to the Ashanti South Regional Police Command, the suspects—identified as Seidu Issah (29), Musah Yakubu (35), and Yahaya Munkaila, popularly known as Tijani (25)—were part of a robbery gang believed to be responsible for a series of violent attacks, including robberies and killings, in Manso, Jacobu, Anwiankwanta and nearby communities.
Police said intelligence indicated that the suspects had assembled in a bush between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu junction, preparing to carry out a highway robbery. A special operation led by ASP Nana Antwi Boadu, with support from ASP Princeton Peasah and other officers, was mounted to arrest them.
Upon reaching the location, officers encountered about five armed men who opened fire on the police team and attempted to flee into the bush. Police returned fire, resulting in three suspects sustaining fatal gunshot wounds. Two other suspects, believed to have also been injured, managed to escape.
The injured suspects were taken to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
During the operation, police recovered two pump-action guns loaded with six rounds each, an unbranded pistol, a sack containing 25 live cartridges, and six spent cartridges.
Police further revealed that the suspects confessed to several crimes, including a robbery at Jacobu Airport on November 3, 2025, which led to the death of a security officer. They also admitted to multiple highway robberies along the Manso stretch, an attack at Antoakrom, a robbery in Abofour Forest near Offinso in May 2025, and a recent attack on a gold buyer at Anwiankwanta on December 8.
One of the deceased suspects reportedly mentioned other accomplices and claimed that some AK-47 rifles were hidden in bushes around Manso and Obuasi. Police say investigations are ongoing to track down the remaining suspects and retrieve the weapons.
The Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring safety on major highways in the region
