Police Arrest Mastermind Behind String of Rural Bank Heists
Accra ,Ghana – September 24,2025 - The Ghana Police Service has successfully dismantled a heavily armed gang responsible for a string of violent robberies targeting rural banks across five regions. The operation, dubbed "Operation Cobra," resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects and the recovery of 14 firearms, including AK-47 rifles stolen from slain police officers.
The gang, led by Kwasi Egyir alias Cobra, carried out 11 attacks on financial institutions between April 10 and September 14, 2025. Their targets included the Adansi Rural Bank in Fomena, Lower Pra Rural Bank in Shama, and Ecobank's Ahafo Kenyase branch. The robbers typically struck in the early morning hours, holding security guards hostage and using electric cutters to break into bank vaults.
The breakthrough came on September 18, 2025, when intelligence officers arrested Cobra at his hideout in Esereso Adagya. A search of the property uncovered two AK-47 rifles buried in a sack submerged in a pond behind his house, which were later confirmed to be police rifles snatched from officers on duty at Ecobank’s Kenyase branch.
The police recovered a significant cache of arms and assets, including three AK-47 assault rifles, seven pump-action guns with 96 rounds of ammunition, four pistols, six vehicles, four motorbikes, and GH¢18,845 in cash. Foreign currencies, including US dollars, Liberian dollars, Nigerian naira, and CFA francs, were also seized alongside jewelry and dozens of mobile phones.
Significantly, police also recovered an AK-47 belonging to Corporal Francis Adu Yaw, who was murdered by armed robbers on the Bibiani-Goaso highway on November 29, 2024. This evidence directly ties the gang to that killing.
Inspector-General of Police Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno vowed to continue making life uncomfortable for criminal elements in society. "We will pursue you until you are brought to justice," he warned. The police service has promoted several officers involved in the operation, commending their dedication and hard work.
While 10 suspects are in custody, two key members of the gang, Kwabena Owusu-Ansah alias Kobi and Nana Albert, remain at large. A manhunt is ongoing, with the police urging anyone with information to come forward.
Source – Lead News Online/Leticia Okpoti
