Omanghana
The Upper West Regional Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a cross-border motorbike theft syndicate and recovered 17 stolen motorbikes during a series of intelligence-led operations carried out across the region.
The operation, conducted between July 11 and July 15, 2026, targeted several locations, including Wa, Charia, and Hamile, and forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Police Service to combat vehicle theft and related crimes.
The arrests were announced in a statement issued on July 23, 2026, and signed by the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare.
Investigation Began with Stolen Motorbike Report
According to the police, the investigation was triggered after a complainant reported that a black Luojia motorbike had been stolen from the premises of the Ghana National Fire Service in Jirapa on July 11.
Acting on intelligence, police tracked the stolen motorbike to Loho, where officers intercepted the vehicle and arrested the rider, identified as Nasiru Muftawu.
The arrest led investigators to uncover what police believe is a larger organized network involved in stealing and trafficking motorbikes across the region.
Four Principal Suspects Arrested
Further investigations and follow-up operations resulted in the arrest of four individuals suspected of playing key roles in the syndicate.
The suspects have been identified as:
- Yusif Mohammed Ali
- Abdulai Ibrahim
- Abubakar Abdul Rashid Mustapha
- Abdul Aziz Posy
Police believe the group coordinated the theft and movement of stolen motorbikes within the Upper West Region and across nearby border communities.
Suspected Buyers Also Arrested
The investigation also extended to individuals alleged to have purchased the stolen motorbikes.
According to the police, four additional suspects were arrested for allegedly buying the motorcycles while knowing, or having reason to believe, that they had been stolen.
Authorities say the arrests are part of efforts to dismantle the entire criminal network, including those involved in the resale and distribution of stolen property.
Suspects Remanded
The principal suspects have been arraigned before the Wa Circuit Court, where they were remanded into custody.
They are expected to reappear before the court on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as investigations continue.
Police Appeal to Owners
The 17 recovered motorbikes are currently being kept at the Regional Police Headquarters pending identification by their rightful owners.
The Regional Police Commander has appealed to residents of the Wa Municipality and surrounding districts who have recently had their motorbikes stolen to report to the appropriate District Police Headquarters.
Owners seeking to reclaim their motorbikes have been advised to present proof of ownership, including registration documents, purchase receipts, or other relevant records to facilitate the verification process.
The Upper West Regional Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to combating organized crime and urged the public to continue providing timely information to support law enforcement efforts in the region.
Source: Omanghana
