Ashanti Police Dismantle Carjacking Syndicate, Arrest 4, Kill 1

Introduction

In a major breakthrough, the Ashanti Regional Police Command has successfully dismantled a notorious carjacking and homicide syndicate known as the ‘Duku Syndicate’ following a series of intelligence-led operations across Kumasi and its environs. The operation, which resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the death of the syndicate’s leader, marks a significant victory in Ghana’s ongoing fight against violent crime and organized criminal networks.

Key Points

Background

The Ashanti Regional Police Command launched a coordinated operation following a directive from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to address the rising incidents of carjacking and violent robberies in the region. The operation was initiated after the brutal murder of Andrews Amankwa on February 10, 2026, in Ohim Amanfrom, where he was shot and killed during a carjacking that resulted in the theft of his Toyota Hilux (registration number GN 6647-25).

The police operation involved multiple specialized units including the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, and the CID Anti-Armed Robbery Unit. Through sustained surveillance, technical intelligence gathering, and targeted operations, law enforcement was able to identify and track members of what they described as “a very dangerous carjacking syndicate.”

Analysis

The dismantling of the Duku Syndicate represents a significant achievement in Ghana’s law enforcement efforts against organized crime. The syndicate’s operations spanned multiple regions, with activities concentrated in both the Ashanti and Western regions, particularly in areas like Tarkwa, Kumasi, and surrounding communities.

The gang’s modus operandi involved sophisticated surveillance techniques, targeting specific vehicle models (primarily Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles), and escalating to lethal force when necessary. Their operations demonstrated a level of organization and planning that required coordinated police response across multiple jurisdictions.

The recovery of various items including firearms, ammunition, tracking detection devices, and forged vehicle documents indicates the syndicate’s sophisticated approach to criminal activities. The tracking detection device suggests they were aware of law enforcement surveillance techniques and took measures to counter them.

Practical Advice

For vehicle owners in Ghana, particularly those with high-value vehicles like Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser models, several precautions can help reduce the risk of carjacking:

– Install GPS tracking devices in vehicles to aid recovery if stolen
– Park in well-lit, secure areas whenever possible
– Be aware of your surroundings, especially in isolated areas
– Avoid displaying valuable items in vehicles
– Consider installing additional security features like steering wheel locks
– Report any suspicious activities to local authorities immediately
– Join or form neighborhood watch groups to enhance community security

For the general public, maintaining vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement can significantly aid in crime prevention. The police have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in their crime-fighting efforts.

FAQ

Conclusion

The successful dismantling of the Duku Syndicate by the Ashanti Regional Police Command represents a significant victory in the fight against organized crime in Ghana. The operation not only brought several dangerous criminals to justice but also recovered stolen vehicles and disrupted a criminal network that had been terrorizing communities across multiple regions.

This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating sophisticated criminal organizations. However, it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing organized crime and the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation.

The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks and has called on the public to continue supporting their efforts through the provision of credible information. As investigations continue, authorities remain focused on ensuring that all members of the syndicate face justice and that similar criminal networks are prevented from taking root in the future.

Sources

This article is based on official statements from the Ashanti Regional Police Command and reports from Life Pulse Daily, published on February 23, 2026.