The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested six suspects believed to be members of a self-styled taskforce known as “Faako” over allegations of extortion, assault, stealing and impersonating an official Police anti-illegal drug operation team in Tamale.
The arrests followed a complaint lodged with the Police on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, by a victim whose identity has been withheld for security reasons.
According to the complainant, members of the group stormed his residence on the night of July 6, searched the premises, seized suspected Tramadol, confiscated his unregistered Yamaha motorbike valued at ¢42,000, and made away with ¢28,000 in cash.
The victim further alleged that he was handcuffed and taken to the group’s office, popularly known as Kandaha at Aboabo in Tamale, where he was unlawfully detained, assaulted, and threatened with being handed over to the Police Red Maria anti-illegal drug team unless he cooperated.
He also claimed the group demanded ¢15,000 before his motorbike would be returned.
Acting on the complaint, officers from the Police Red Maria anti-illegal drug team accompanied the complainant to the location, leading to the arrest of six suspects.
The suspects have been identified as Hardi Tajudeen (24), Lukman Iddrisu (42), Abdul Rauf Alhassan (36), Muntala Mohammed (41), Somed Abdul Rahaman, also known as Bikorkor (47), and Nasiru Alhassan, also known as Gbanigbari (49).
Police say the suspects have been granted enquiry bail while investigations continue.
During the operation, officers recovered ¢12,273, the complainant’s unregistered Yamaha motorbike, and six sachets of Royal Fort 250mg Tramadol, all of which have been retained as exhibits.
The Northern Regional Police Command also disclosed that it has received several reports of individuals using the name “Red Maria” to intimidate and extort members of the public.
The Command clarified that Red Maria is an official Police anti-illegal drug operational team and does not collaborate with any private groups or vigilante taskforces.
Police have therefore warned individuals or groups falsely claiming affiliation with Red Maria or any other Police unit to cease such activities immediately, stressing that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted.
The Command has further urged anyone who may have experienced similar acts of intimidation, extortion, assault or unlawful detention by persons claiming to be associated with Red Maria or any other Police unit to report the matter to the nearest Police Station.
It assured the public that all complaints would be thoroughly investigated and reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law professionally while protecting the rights and safety of all persons.
By Peter Quao Adattor/paqmediagh
