The Ghana Police Service has arrested a Nigerian, Augustine Okechuku Maazi, and shot dead two suspected members of a robbery gang during an intelligence-led operation in Accra.
The operation was carried out on Thursday after the police received information about an alleged plan to attack banks in the Labone area of the Ghanaian capital.
According to the Police Service, intelligence received at about 10:45am indicated that the suspected gang was preparing to target GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank.
Police officers were immediately deployed to the area, where they reportedly spotted several suspected gang members in vehicles parked near the banks.
The police said one of the vehicles drove off after its occupants noticed the officers. Officers pursued the vehicle and arrested Maazi, while another suspect managed to escape.
The occupants of another vehicle allegedly opened fire as they attempted to flee, leading to an exchange of gunfire with the police.
“The robbers in the second vehicle also tried to escape amidst firing, but the police engaged them in a shootout, resulting in the death of two suspects,” the Police Service stated.
A fourth suspect also escaped during the operation, according to the police, who said efforts were under way to locate and arrest him.
Two vehicles allegedly used by the suspects were recovered from the scene. They were a Toyota Highlander with registration number GS-1434-18 and a Hyundai Tucson bearing registration number GS 7915-17.
The police also said a blow pistol was recovered.
Maazi remains in police custody and is assisting investigators with inquiries into the alleged robbery plot.
The bodies of the two suspects killed during the operation have been deposited at a morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy.
The Police Service appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing and investigating criminal activities.
However, GCB Bank has disputed any suggestion that its Labone branch was robbed or that an attempted robbery took place on its premises.
In a statement issued after the police announcement, the bank said its premises and operations were not breached during the incident.
GCB said no customer or member of staff was affected and that none of its funds or property was lost or damaged.
The police have yet to clarify whether the suspected gang planned to gain entry into any of the banks or intended to target customers, staff or other people in the vicinity.
