The Upper East Regional Police Command has taken custody of a 27-year-old man, Abdul Basit, for unlawful possession of an assault rifle in Bawku.

‎The suspect was arrested on April 13, 2026, at Sakabo, a suburb of Bawku, by a military patrol team during an operation in the area.

‎According to a statement from the Upper East Regional Police Command, the patrol team responded after hearing gunshots and traced the sound to a nearby location. 

‎Upon arrival, the suspect reportedly attempted to flee into a room but was pursued and apprehended.

‎A subsequent search of the room led to the retrieval of an AK-47 assault rifle loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition.

‎“During interrogation, the suspect admitted ownership of the weapon,” the police stated.

‎He is currently in police custody assisting with investigations and is expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days.

‎The police assured the public of their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the area, adding that operations to clamp down on illegal arms possession will continue.

‎Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan