Two suspected armed robbers have been killed following a police operation at Yizesi, near Fumbisi in the Upper East Region, after officers came under gunfire while attempting to retrieve weapons allegedly hidden by the suspects.
The deceased, identified as Sumaila Munkaila, also known as Guda, and Umaro Musah, were said to have sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange. Police say they were rushed to the Tamale Government Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.
According to a police situational report, the suspects had led officers to a bush area where they claimed weapons used in a series of robberies had been buried. During the search, unknown assailants opened fire from nearby bushes, prompting the police to return fire in self-defence.
Police indicated that the suspects attempted to escape during the incident and were hit in the process. One officer sustained minor injuries and is currently receiving treatment, while another suspected accomplice, believed to have been injured, managed to flee.
Despite the disruption, the police proceeded with the search and retrieved a cache of weapons concealed in sacks underground. The items included a CZ805 assault rifle with 14 rounds of 5.56x39mm ammunition, an AK-47 rifle loaded with 28 rounds and an additional 28 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, a pump-action gun with six “BB” cartridges, and a single-barrel gun.
Four jacket attires believed to have been used during robbery operations were also recovered and identified by the suspects.
The operation follows intelligence gathered by the Ashanti South Regional Police Command, which had identified Sumaila Munkaila as a key suspect in a string of roadblock robberies along the Obuasi and Manso–Nyinahin stretch.
He was arrested on April 25, 2026, at Vitin in Tamale during an intelligence-led operation. During interrogation, police say he admitted involvement in multiple attacks, including a robbery on the convoy of the Chiana-Pio on July 20, 2025, as well as recent incidents along the Buipe–Tamale and Yizesi–Fumbisi roads.
The suspect later led police to arrest Umaro Musah at Savelugu the same night.
Both suspects subsequently guided officers to the Yizesi location, where the weapons were believed to have been hidden following the latest robbery.
Police say investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to track down and arrest other members of the robbery syndicate.
