Police in Accra have foiled a planned attack on three commercial banks in Labone, resulting in the death of two suspected armed robbers and the arrest of another following a dramatic daylight chase and exchange of gunfire.
The operation unfolded on Thursday morning, 13 August, after law enforcement received operational intelligence that a gang was positioning itself to raid branches of GCB Bank, Ecobank, and Zenith Bank in the commercial hub.
Police officers deployed to the scene spotted members of the syndicate parked near the financial institutions at around 10:45 am. Upon realizing they had been cornered, the suspects attempted to flee in two separate vehicles.
One vehicle sped off, prompting a brief police chase that ended in the apprehension of suspect Augustine Okechuku Maazi. Another occupant of the vehicle managed to escape on foot.
Simultaneously, occupants of the second getaway car opened fire on the responding officers while attempting to break through the security cordon. Police returned fire, fatally wounding two of the suspects.
Speaking on the operation, a spokesperson for the Ghana Police Service stated that officers acted swiftly to prevent a major incident.
“A police team was immediately deployed to Labone where the gang members were spotted in their vehicles parked close to the banks,” the service confirmed in a statement. “The robbers in the second vehicle tried to escape amidst firing. The police engaged them in a shootout, resulting in the death of two suspects.”
Investigating officers recovered a Toyota Highlander bearing registration number GS-1434-18, a Hyundai Tucson with registration number GS 7915-17, and a blow pistol at the scene.
The police administration praised the operational team for their swift action and expressed gratitude to the public for providing timely intelligence that assisted in disrupting the syndicate’s plans.
“The Ghana Police Service highly commends the response team for successfully foiling the planned robbery attempt,” the police stated. “The service is also grateful to members of the public who continue to share credible information on criminal activities with the police.”
The suspect, Augustine Okechuku Maazi, remains in custody to assist with ongoing investigations, while the bodies of the two deceased suspects have been deposited at the mortuary for identification and autopsy. Manhunts are currently underway to locate the remaining accomplice who fled the scene.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
