Tension in Tamale Escalates as IGP's Operation Team Allegedly Kills a Man
A special police unit dispatched by the IGP reportedly took a 40-year-old man's life
The atmosphere in Tamale has become tense following the death of a man in his early forties during a police operation aimed at curbing crime in the area. The incident occurred on December 1, 2025, when a special police team, deployed by the Inspector General of Police, conducted a raid in the Poloya Fong forest enclave. Witnesses reported that the victim, a passerby on a motorbike, attempted to flee after hearing gunshots, only to be struck by a stray bullet and dying instantly.
Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive Abu Takoro, in a December 2, 2025, statement to 3news.com, expressed deep concern. He noted that while the recent security crackdown has had positive impacts, the recent incidents, such as the burning of tricycles and the fatal shooting, are causing instability. Takoro called for an independent and thorough investigation into the incident.
The Northern Regional Police Command acknowledged the death, stating that officers acted in self-defense after being fired upon by suspected criminals during the operation. The deceased sustained gunshot wounds and was confirmed dead at the scene. His body has been sent to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for an autopsy and further investigation.
This incident follows a similar operation on November 27, where the IGP's team destroyed tricycles and motorbikes believed to be used by drug traffickers in the Nobisco forest. The police have also arrested 27 individuals in connection with drug peddling in Tamale, as reported by ghanaweb.com on October 2, 2011.
The BBC's Focus on Africa Podcast, now based in Nairobi, recently interviewed the host, Etsey Atisu from GhanaWeb, for an exclusive segment on The Lowdown. The interview can be watched here.
