IGP’s Taskforce Storms Criminal Hideouts in Tamale, Arrests 19 Suspects
A joint police taskforce deployed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, carried out a major swoop on several criminal hideouts in Tamale, leading to the arrest of 19 suspects believed to be involved in various unlawful activities.
Damian Owusu 
A joint police taskforce deployed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, carried out a major swoop on several criminal hideouts in Tamale, leading to the arrest of 19 suspects believed to be involved in various unlawful activities.
According to police sources, the operation—codenamed “Scatter”—targeted hotspots noted for drug peddling, armed robbery planning, and other organized criminal operations. The raid forms part of renewed security efforts to clamp down on rising pockets of violent crime and restore public confidence in the Northern Regional capital.
The taskforce, which included officers from the Anti-Robbery Unit, Counter-Terrorism Unit, and Regional Intelligence Directorate, stormed areas such as Choggu, Aboabo Forest, Sakasaka, and parts of the Tamale Central enclave. Several suspects attempted to flee, but officers pursued and subdued them.
Items seized during the exercise include quantities of narcotic substances, unregistered motorbikes, mobile phones, suspected stolen items, and tools believed to be used in break-ins.
The suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. The Northern Regional Police Command says screening is ongoing, after which the confirmed offenders will be processed for court.
Residents have welcomed the operation, describing it as timely, especially following recent concerns about night-time robberies and gang violence. The police have assured the public that more coordinated swoops will continue in the coming days to “flush out criminal networks” across the region.
Authorities have also encouraged community members to cooperate by providing credible intelligence to support ongoing operations.
