A police intelligence-led operation to foil a planned robbery along the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi road on Christmas Eve ended in a deadly shootout, leaving three suspected armed robbers dead in a bush between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu Junction in the Ashanti Region.
According to police, the deceased were members of a five-man gang believed to be behind a series of violent robberies in parts of the region. The suspects reportedly opened fire on officers when they encountered the police team, triggering a shootout. Two other members of the group managed to flee and are currently being pursued.
After the exchange, the three suspects, who had sustained gunshot wounds, were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. They were later identified as Seidu Issah, 29; Musah Yakubu, 35; and Yahaya Munkaila, also known as Tijani, 25. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital morgue pending autopsy.
A police situational report indicated that investigations are ongoing, with efforts focused on arresting the remaining suspects and recovering additional weapons used by the gang.
The report described the deceased as wanted persons linked to multiple robbery and homicide cases in Manso, Jacobu, and the Anwiankwanta enclave.
The operation followed intelligence received by the Ashanti Regional Police Command on December 24, 2025, suggesting that the gang had regrouped in a bush near the Anwiankwanta–Jacobu Junction and was preparing to launch an attack along the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi road.
Acting on the information, police deployed four service vehicles to the location. Upon arrival, officers spotted five armed men at the site.
The suspects allegedly opened fire in an attempt to escape through the bush, prompting police to return fire. Three of the suspects were hit, while the remaining two escaped, some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.
Items recovered from the scene included two pump-action shotguns loaded with six rounds of ammunition each, an unmarked pistol, a sack containing 25 live cartridges, and six spent shells. Police say investigations will continue until all accomplices are brought to justice.
