Ghana police foil alleged bank robbery plot, arrest Nigerian suspect

Ghana police foil alleged bank robbery plot, arrest Nigerian suspect

ACCRA — Ghanaian police have foiled an alleged armed robbery attempt targeting three banks in the Labone area of Accra, killing two suspected robbers and arresting a Nigerian national, police said.

The operation took place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, after police received intelligence at about 10:45 a.m. that a gang was preparing to attack GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank in the area.

Police intercepted the suspected gang near the banks, according to the Ghana Police Service. Some of the suspects allegedly opened fire while attempting to escape, prompting a gun battle with officers.

Two suspected robbers were shot dead during the confrontation, while another suspect reportedly escaped. A Nigerian identified as Augustine Okechuku Maazi was arrested and is assisting police with their investigation.

Police said they recovered two vehicles allegedly used by the gang as well as a pistol following the operation.

The bodies of the two suspects were deposited at a morgue, while investigators continued efforts to establish the identities of the deceased and locate the suspected fugitive.

The incident comes amid continuing concerns over cross-border criminal networks operating in West Africa.

Ghanaian authorities have not indicated whether the suspects were part of a wider organised crime network, and the allegations against the arrested Nigerian have yet to be tested in court.

The case also highlights concerns over the impact of crimes allegedly committed abroad by Nigerian nationals on the reputation of millions of Nigerians living and working lawfully outside the csuspect