Gang Disguised As Soldiers Busted In Mining Community
Five men suspected of disguising themselves as military personnel to carry out armed robbery attacks on miners at Kotokuom in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region have been arrested by the Nkawie Divisional Police Command.
The suspects, identified as Abdulai Basit Zulkalali, Seidu Sulemaina, Abubakar Sadick, Alafate Fuseini and Sharif Massawudu, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation after police received reports of armed men terrorising miners in the area.
According to police sources, the suspects allegedly wore military-style uniforms to deceive their victims before attacking them with guns, knives and other offensive weapons. The operation followed credible intelligence gathered by the Nkawie Divisional Police Command, leading to the successful arrest of the five suspects and preventing what police believe could have been further attacks.
The suspects claimed they were members of a Muslim Community Taskforce working on behalf of Ghana Muslims. Police, however, say investigations are ongoing to verify the authenticity of the claim and determine whether the group has any legitimate affiliation with any recognised organisation.
The incident has heightened fears among residents and miners at Kotokuom, where criminals posing as security personnel are said to be exploiting mining communities.
Police are also investigating how the suspects obtained the military-style uniforms and the weapons allegedly found in their possession. Investigators are further seeking to establish whether the suspects have links to other robbery incidents within the Ashanti Region.
The five suspects are currently being held in police custody at Toase and are assisting with investigations. They are expected to be arraigned before court after police conclude their investigations.
