At least three unmanned police barriers have been set ablaze near Nalerigu and Gambaga, raising alarms about security vulnerabilities.
Police confirm the incidents occurred between the 15th and 16th of January 2026.
The perpetrators and their motives are currently unknown.
In late December 2025, the Ghana Police Service withdrew personnel from checkpoints along the Northern, North East and Upper East regions highways after a fatal incident where a Police officer was killed and others wounded.
These highways are key trade routes to Togo and Burkina Faso. The withdrawal has sparked anxiety among traders, road users and community members who have voiced their fear and displeasure over the absence of police on major roads.
To them, the action may help increase crime including armed robbery and smuggling.
Even though communities within the region remain calm and peaceful with business activities going on smoothly, residents and road users report feeling unsafe and at risk.
There are increasing calls for the government to redeploy police officers to man the barriers and prevent escalating criminal activity.
