A major security crackdown in Sampa Township in the Bono Region has exposed a disturbing cache of weapons and suspected criminal tools, leading to the arrest of 24 people, including teenagers.
The joint operation, conducted by the Bono Regional Police Command, the 3rd Infantry Battalion (3BN), and the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI), was carried out in the early hours of March 21, 2026.
Authorities say the intelligence-led raid is part of a broader effort to uncover illegal arms and dismantle criminal networks in the area.
Weapons, Military Gear, and Suspected Crime Tools
The operation uncovered a wide range of items, raising concerns about organised criminal activity in the township.
Among the items retrieved were:
- Five pump-action guns
- One Baikal gun
- Two locally manufactured firearms
- 790 rounds of AAA and BB cartridges
- 21 machetes and multiple knives
- Bayonets, clubs, and other offensive weapons
Security officers also seized:
- Two foreign military jackets and body armour
- Eight motorbikes
- Dozens of mobile phones
- A traditional council stamp
- And a quantity of talismans believed to be linked to spiritual protection rituals
Minors Among Those Arrested
In a development likely to raise further concern, several of the suspects arrested are minors, some as young as 13 years old.
Others range from 78 years, suggesting a wide network spanning age groups.
Two suspects were also picked up for breaching existing curfew regulations.
All 24 suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with investigations, with authorities preparing to prosecute them.
Security Concerns Deepen
The scale and nature of the items retrieved have intensified concerns about the proliferation of illegal weapons and the possible existence of organised groups operating within the enclave.
The presence of military-style gear and large quantities of ammunition has particularly alarmed security observers.
Police Call for Public Support
The Bono Regional Police Command is urging residents to support ongoing efforts by volunteering credible information on individuals possessing illegal weapons.
Authorities insist the operation is part of a sustained strategy to restore order and ensure public safety across the region.
For now, the Sampa raid sends a clear signal; security agencies are tightening the net.
But the bigger question remains: How deep does this network go?
By Paqmediagh/ PQuao Adattor
