Eight Nigerians among those detained in Upper East Region operations

The Ghana Police Service has arrested eight Nigerians as part of a sweeping crackdown on drug peddling and violent crime in the Upper East Region. A total of 74 suspects were taken into custody across two separate operations.

First operation — Paga border zone

On May 20, 2026, a special police team conducted an intelligence-led operation at Paga, near the Ghana-Burkina Faso border. Forty suspects were arrested — 28 men and 12 women. The group included 23 Ghanaians, eight Nigerians, six Burkinabés, one Malian, and one Togolese national.

Police recovered parcels and sacks of suspected narcotic substances, along with five motorbikes believed to have been used for distribution.

Second operation — Navrongo hotspots

On May 22, officers struck again, targeting known criminal areas in the Navrongo Municipality. These included the Condemned Road Corridor, “After Six” Spot, and “Lighter Inn” Spot. Another 34 suspects — 32 men and two women — were arrested. Police seized 11 motorbikes, quantities of suspected narcotics, and assorted foreign cigarettes.

What happens next

All suspects were arraigned before the High Court presided over by Justice Ernest Pascal Gemadzie on the same day. The court remanded 16 suspects in police custody, with orders to reappear on June 4, 2026. The remaining 22 suspects are being profiled for further action.

Police say investigations are ongoing, and efforts continue to identify and arrest others connected to criminal activities in the affected areas. All suspects remain in police custody, assisting with inquiries.