The Bono Regional Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against armed robbery and organized crime, following the recovery of five firearms during an intelligence-led operation targeting a notorious robbery gang.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the regional police commander, DCOP Joshua Coppson said the operation was launched after intelligence gathered on February 11, 2026, indicated that a gang was planning to attack traders traveling along the Dormaa–Gonokrom highway.

According to the police, surveillance teams were swiftly deployed to the area to thwart the planned robbery.

In the early hours of February 12, officers advancing toward a parked motorbike along the highway reportedly came under gunfire attack from assailants hiding in nearby bushes.

Police returned fire and conducted a search of the area near the Bay Bridge. One male suspect was found dead at the scene with an AK-47 rifle beside him.

A further search led to the discovery of a sack containing additional weapons and ammunition.

The items recovered included two Baikal single-barrel guns, a pump-action shotgun, and a Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of 9mm ammunition, along with 34 additional rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Police described the operation as a significant success in efforts to clamp down on armed robbery activities in the region.

Officials assured residents and commuters that the Berekum stretch of the highway remains safe.

“Since that incident, we have not recorded any robbery on that stretch,” the Police Command said.

However, the Command cautioned that criminal elements are constantly shifting tactics and locations.

“Robbers are not static. Once they realize security has been tightened in a particular area, they begin to look elsewhere. That is why we say security is a shared responsibility,” the Police Command emphasized.

The police urged public to volunteer timely and help with information that could assist in crime prevention efforts.

“You may be in town or chatting somewhere and hear something. Let us know. We will deploy surveillance teams to verify and act. Sometimes the information leads to arrests; other times investigations show there is no threat. But every tip is important,” the Command noted.

Police also confirmed that other suspects arrested in connection with related robbery activities are currently before the court, with proceedings ongoing.

The Bono Regional Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order across the region and pledged continued vigilance to protect residents and travelers.

Sompaonline.com/Agyemang Opambour