The early morning hours of Friday, April 18, 2025, witnessed a significant breakthrough in the fight against illicit arms trafficking in the Volta Region of Ghana. Police officers stationed at the Tadzewu-Mitsrikasa barrier, during a routine vehicle inspection, intercepted a substantial cache of ammunition concealed within a Hyundai bus traveling from Accra to Benin. The discovery, made at approximately 3:30 a.m., underscores the persistent challenges posed by cross-border criminal activities and the vigilance required to counter them. The incident highlights the crucial role of routine checks and proactive policing in maintaining security and preventing the proliferation of weapons.
The intercepted Hyundai bus, with registration number GR 8246-Q, was subjected to a thorough search after being stopped at the barrier. Underneath seemingly innocuous passenger luggage, officers uncovered a staggering quantity of ammunition: 60 cartons containing AAA cartridges, totaling 15,000 rounds, and 72 cartons of BB cartridges, amounting to 18,000 rounds. The sheer volume of the seized ammunition raises serious concerns about its intended purpose and the potential threat it posed to peace and security in the region. The discovery points to a potentially sophisticated network involved in arms smuggling, exploiting legitimate transportation routes to move illicit goods across borders.
Following the discovery, the driver of the bus, 45-year-old Abasou Fousseni, and his co-driver, 38-year-old Salisu Jalilu, were immediately apprehended and taken into custody for questioning. While both individuals initially denied any knowledge of the concealed ammunition, subsequent investigations revealed crucial information. Police intelligence suggested that the co-driver, Salisu Jalilu, was responsible for loading the illicit cargo onto the bus. This development shifted the focus of the investigation towards Jalilu and his potential connections to the wider network involved in the smuggling operation.
In a strategic move to minimize disruption to innocent travelers, the driver, Fousseni, was subsequently granted police enquiry bail. This allowed him to continue the journey with the passengers, while the investigation continued. Meanwhile, the co-driver, Jalilu, remained in custody to assist with the ongoing investigation. His detention is crucial for unraveling the details of the smuggling operation, identifying potential accomplices, and understanding the intended destination and purpose of the ammunition. This approach balances the need to maintain public order and facilitate travel with the imperative of thorough investigation and prosecution of suspected criminals.
The Ghana Police Service, through a press release issued by DSP Felix Danku of the Public Affairs Unit in the Volta Region, affirmed their commitment to combatting transnational crime. The successful interception of the ammunition serves as a testament to this commitment and the effectiveness of their ongoing efforts to secure the nation’s borders. The statement emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation and international collaboration in addressing the complex challenges posed by cross-border criminal networks. The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and strengthened security measures to prevent the flow of illicit weapons and maintain peace and stability in the region.
The scheduled arraignment of Salisu Jalilu before the court on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, marks a critical step in the legal process. The court proceedings will provide an opportunity to present the evidence gathered during the investigation, establish culpability, and determine appropriate legal consequences. The outcome of this case will send a strong message regarding the seriousness with which Ghana addresses arms trafficking and its commitment to upholding the rule of law. The case also highlights the importance of robust judicial processes in holding perpetrators accountable and deterring future criminal activity. It serves as a reminder of the constant need for vigilance and proactive measures to combat the illicit arms trade and ensure the safety and security of the region.
