Five fake soldiers grabbed for armed robbery at Ashanti mining community

Five suspected armed robbers who allegedly disguised themselves as military personnel to terrorise miners at Kotokuom in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region have been busted by the Nkawie District Police Command.

The suspects, identified as Abdulai Basit Zulkalali, Seidu Sulemaina, Abubakar Sadick, Arafat Fuseini, and Sharif Massawudu, were picked up during an intelligence-led operation after police received reports that a group had been attacking miners in the area while dressed in military-style uniforms.

According to police sources, the suspects were armed with guns, knives, and other offensive weapons during the alleged robbery operations targeting miners in and around Kotokuom.

Their arrest followed sustained intelligence gathering by personnel of the Nkawie Divisional Police Command, who moved swiftly to prevent further attacks and restore calm in the mining community.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspects claimed they were members of a Muslim Community Taskforce operating on behalf of Ghana Muslims. However, police say investigations are ongoing to verify the authenticity of their claim as part of efforts to fully unravel the circumstances surrounding the case.

The incident has heightened concerns among residents and miners about the rising trend of criminal groups impersonating security personnel to carry out robberies and other violent crimes.

Investigators are also working to determine how the suspects obtained the military-style uniforms and weapons allegedly found in their possession, as well as whether they are connected to other robbery cases in the Ashanti Region.

The five are currently in police custody at Toase, where they are assisting with investigations and are expected to be put before court upon completion of the probe.