Upper West Police intensify operations after robbery and abduction incident at Kendeu

The Upper West Regional Police Command has intensified security operations in the Wa West District following a robbery and abduction incident reported on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Kendeu.

According to the Regional Police Command, officers received a distress report around 2:00 p.m. indicating that a group of armed young men had mounted attacks on road users near the Kendeu community, robbing victims of money and valuables. The assailants also allegedly assaulted and robbed several market women travelling along the route.

A swift joint deployment of Police and Military personnel to the area led to the arrest of ten suspects, while others managed to escape. The operation resulted in the retrieval of five locally manufactured guns, twenty-five AA live cartridges, two spent cartridges, two knives, and several spiritual talismans believed to have been used by the attackers.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had earlier abducted two individuals, identified as John Gaan and Dari Moses Dondomor, whose whereabouts and properties remain unknown. Police say they are closely engaging with complainants and family members as investigations continue.

The detained suspects are currently in custody, and all seized items have been retained as evidence. Meanwhile, integrated patrols have been intensified across the district to enhance public safety and deter further criminal activity.

The Police Command has also initiated key engagements with community leaders and other stakeholders to aid the search for the missing victims and help de-escalate community tensions.

The Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis K. Yiribaare, in a statement commended the professionalism and swift response of the security officers, as well as the cooperation from sister security agencies and local leaders. He stated that their collective efforts have been instrumental in restoring calm in the area.

The Upper West Regional Police Command assured the public of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property. It urged residents to remain cooperative and provide credible information to support ongoing investigations.