A joint security operation at the Gbane mining site in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region has left 16 suspects in custody and recovered 209 live cartridges, according to a Ghana Police Service press release reported by Graphic Online.
Police said the operation on Tuesday 13 October 2026 involved the National Police Intelligence Directorate, the Upper East Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, the Black Cobra Special Operations Team and the Tongo District Police Command.
Ten suspects were arrested in the police phase of the operation. Recovered items included 104 live AA cartridges, 37 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, 12 mobile phones, seven Nalamtaaba mining-firm security uniforms, seven body armours, two pepper sprays, four torches, a knife, a weapon bag and walkie-talkies, the release said.
Separately, a military team from the 11 Mechanised Battalion arrested six more suspects and recovered two pump-action guns and 105 live AA cartridges, which were handed to police in Bolgatanga.
The police release, dated 14 October 2026 and signed by Chief Inspector Abdul-Raman Sumaila, did not name the suspects or set out specific charges. It said the operation was part of ongoing security work at Gbane after disputes involving local communities and mining firms Nalamtaaba Mining Enterprise and Earl International Mining Limited. All 16 suspects were assisting investigations and were to be put before court.