The Upper West Regional Police Command has arrested a group of suspects believed to be involved in a motorbike theft syndicate and recovered 17 suspected stolen motorbikes from various locations within the Wa Municipality and other parts of the Upper West Region.
The police, in a press release signed by the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, said the operation was launched after a victim reported on July 11, 2026, that her black Luojia motorbike, registration number M-21-UW 3512, had been stolen from the premises of the Ghana National Fire Service in Jirapa.
The victim circulated details of the stolen motorbike among friends and the police, leading to a swift intelligence-led operation.
Police officers subsequently arrested Nasiru Muftawu at Loho while he was allegedly in possession of the stolen motorbike.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to stealing the motorbike and was taken into custody to assist with investigations.
Further police operations led to the arrest of Basit Muftawu alias Posey, aged 19, Issahaku Maruf alias Katel, aged 22, and Mohammed Ali alias Geewaa, aged 18.
Additional exhibits linked to the offences were also recovered from Rashid Kankan, 20 years, Mutala Rashad, 20-years, and Haruna Hamdan alias DJ, also 20-years, the statement said.
Police investigations later resulted in the recovery of 16 additional motorbikes believed to have been stolen from UBIDS, Chakor, and Glamon, all within the Wa Municipality.
The suspects have been arraigned before the Wa Circuit Court and remanded into police custody and are expected to reappear before the court on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The Regional Police Command has appealed to members of the public who have lost motorbikes to report to the Wa District Police Headquarters with valid ownership documents for identification and retrieval of their property.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime and dismantling criminal networks in the region, and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing policing efforts.
By Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara
