The Ghana Police Service has dismantled a robbery syndicate plotting coordinated attacks on three banks in the Labone district of Accra, resulting in the death of two suspects and the arrest of a third.
Acting on intelligence received at approximately 10:45 am on Thursday, police learned that an armed gang was preparing to simultaneously strike GCB Bank, Ecobank, and Zenith Bank, all located within the Labone area.
A rapid response team was immediately deployed to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers spotted the suspects in two parked vehicles near the targeted banks. When the police approached, one vehicle sped off in a bid to escape.
A pursuit ensued, leading to the arrest of Augustine Okechuku Maazi, who is currently in custody assisting with investigations. A second occupant of that vehicle, however, managed to flee.
In the second vehicle, suspects opened fire in an attempt to evade capture. Police returned fire, engaging in a shootout that resulted in the fatal wounding of two male suspects.
They were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies have since been deposited at the morgue for preservation, identification, and autopsy.
Authorities have recovered two vehicles believed to have been used in the planned operation, a Toyota Highlander with registration number GS-1434-18 and a Hyundai Tucson with registration number GS 7915-17, along with a blow pistol.
The Police Service has commended the response team for their swift and professional action, which prevented what could have been a violent and traumatic incident for bank staff and customers. No civilians were injured in the operation.
The Service also expressed gratitude to members of the public who continue to share credible intelligence, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and determine whether the syndicate is linked to other criminal operations in the Greater Accra Region.