Christmas Eve Shootout Leaves Three Armed Robbery Suspects Dead in Ashanti

A late-night intelligence-led police operation on Christmas Eve ended in a deadly exchange of gunfire after armed robbery suspects reportedly engaged officers in a bush along the Anwiankwanta–Jacobu stretch in the Ashanti Region.

The incident, which occurred between Anwiankwanta and Jacobu Junction, involved a five-member gang believed to be behind a series of violent robberies and killings in parts of the region. Police say three members of the group were fatally wounded during the confrontation, while two others managed to flee and are currently being hunted.

According to a police situational report (SITREP),  the suspects opened fire upon spotting the police team, prompting officers to respond tactically. The exchange resulted in three of the suspects sustaining gunshot injuries.

They were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital for medical attention but were pronounced dead on arrival. The deceased have been identified as Seidu Issah, 29; Musah Yakubu, 35; and Yahaya Munkaila, also known as Tijani, 25. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital morgue pending autopsy.

The SITREP disclosed that the deceased suspects, together with their accomplices, were on police wanted lists in connection with multiple robbery incidents and killings in Manso, Jacobu and Anwiankwanta.

Police intelligence had earlier indicated that the gang had regrouped in the bush on December 24, 2025, allegedly preparing to launch an attack on motorists along the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi road. Acting on the tip-off, the Ashanti Regional Police Command deployed a team using four service vehicles to raid the hideout.

Upon arrival, officers reportedly spotted five young men armed with guns. The suspects attempted to escape through the bush after opening fire, but three were hit during the exchange, while the remaining two escaped, possibly with gunshot wounds.

Items retrieved from the scene included two pump-action guns, each loaded with six rounds of ammunition, an unbranded pistol, a sack containing 25 live cartridges, and six spent shells.

Police say investigations are ongoing, with intensified efforts underway to arrest the fleeing suspects and retrieve any remaining firearms.