The Ghana Police Service has foiled an alleged attempt by an armed gang to rob banks in the Labone area of Accra, arresting a Nigerian national and killing two suspected robbers during a shootout.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 13, 2026, after the police received intelligence at about 10:45 a.m. that a group of suspected armed robbers was preparing to attack GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank branches located in the Labone area.
Police operatives were immediately deployed to the area, where they reportedly spotted members of the suspected gang in vehicles parked near the banks.
According to the police, one of the vehicles sped away after the suspects noticed the presence of officers. The vehicle was pursued, leading to the arrest of a Nigerian identified as Augustine Okechuku Maazi, while another occupant reportedly escaped.
The occupants of a second vehicle also allegedly attempted to flee while opening fire at the pursuing officers. The police responded, resulting in a gun battle in which two of the suspects were fatally shot.
Two vehicles allegedly used by the gang were subsequently recovered, along with a pistol believed to have been in the possession of the suspects.
Maazi remains in police custody and is assisting investigators with inquiries into the alleged robbery plot and the activities of the suspected gang.
The bodies of the two suspects killed during the confrontation have been deposited at a morgue for further examination, according to the police.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to identify the remaining members of the alleged gang and establish the full circumstances surrounding the planned attack.
