The Upper East Regional Police Command has taken custody of a 27-year-old man, Abdul Basit, following his arrest for unlawful possession of an assault rifle at Sakabo, a suburb of Bawku.
The suspect was apprehended on April 13, 2026, during a joint security operation led by a military patrol team in the area. According to officials, the team was on routine patrol when they heard gunshots and swiftly moved to the location to investigate.
Upon arrival, the officers reportedly spotted the suspect attempting to flee into a nearby room. He was pursued and subsequently arrested. A search conducted in the room led to the discovery of an AK-47 assault rifle along with 31 rounds of ammunition.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect admitted ownership of the weapon. He is currently in police custody and is assisting with ongoing investigations.
The police have indicated that Abdul Basit will be arraigned before the court in the coming days to face charges related to the unlawful possession of firearms.
Bawku and its surrounding communities have, in recent times, experienced intermittent security challenges, prompting intensified joint operations by security agencies to maintain law and order.
