The Ghana Police Service has arrested 186 suspects, including 96 Nigerians, in a major intelligence-led operation targeting an alleged transnational criminal syndicate involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, drug trafficking and other organised crimes in the Ashanti Region.
In a statement issued by the Ashanti Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, the police said the operation was carried out between June 8 and June 17, 2026, by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command.
The coordinated raids followed weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance, target profiling and operational planning aimed at dismantling the suspected criminal network.
According to the police, those arrested comprise 86 Ghanaians, 96 Nigerians and four Togolese nationals.
A major breakthrough came on June 9 when officers arrested a key suspect, Gladys Ibrahim, popularly known as “Mama Gee,” at Kenyase Aframa. She was apprehended alongside the 96 Nigerian nationals and four Togolese nationals believed to be linked to the network.
The raids were conducted across several communities, including Asafo, Kenyase Aframa, Asokwa, Buokrom, Krofrom, Atonsu-Bokuro, Asawase and Old Tafo Ahenbronum.
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects are connected to a sophisticated transnational criminal organisation allegedly engaged in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, narcotics trafficking, unlawful possession of firearms and other organised criminal activities.
Police also rescued several individuals believed to be victims of exploitation during the operation. Some of those rescued were minors, who were immediately separated from the suspects and placed under protective care in accordance with child protection protocols.
The Ghana Police Service said foreign nationals identified as victims are being processed in collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service to facilitate the necessary immigration and repatriation procedures.
Authorities added that investigations remain ongoing as security agencies intensify efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal syndicate operating within and beyond Ghana’s borders.
