Fulbe Community Demands Independent IGP Probe Into Death of Suspected Robbery ‘Gang Leader’ in Upper West
The Council and the community of the Fulbe Congress in the Upper West Region have expressed deep concern and strongly rejected the labelling of their community leaders as armed robbers following a recent police crackdown.

They are also calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to launch an independent, thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a suspected gang leader during the operation.

The reaction comes in the wake of a press release issued by the Upper West Regional Police Command on August 11, 2026, signed by the Regional Police Commander, D/COP Mr Francis Yiribaare.

The Crackdown: The police announced the arrest of six suspects following an intelligence-led operation targeting an armed robbery syndicate operating in the Wa West District and Wa Municipality.

Modus Operandi: According to the police, the syndicate targeted victims, attacked and wounded them with machetes, and forced them to disclose their Mobile Money (MoMo) PINs to transfer funds.

Casualties: Among the six named suspects is Nasiru Abdul Rahman (52 years), who is listed as deceased. The police report states that Rahman sustained injuries during the operation and died upon arrival at the Upper West Regional Hospital.

Wanted Suspects: Two additional suspects remain at large: Haruna (30 years, described as the gang’s armourer) and Amadu Mahamudu (24 years, son of the deceased suspect).

Speaking in response to the police statement, the General Secretary of the National Council of Fulbe Chiefs voiced severe distress over how the operation and subsequent media disclosures have impacted their community leaders and public image.

“This particular Fulbe [group]… the chiefs, the two of them have been labelled as a syndicate, as armed robbers. This is a very dent on their personality, on their image, and the community they are leading as Fulbe chiefs.” Fulbe Congress Representative

The community leadership is urging the national police leadership to step in to ensure transparency. Key demands from the Congress include an independent investigation and a full, independent probe ordered by the IGP to thoroughly investigate the operations and the death of Nasiru Abdul Rahman.

Additionally, they are seeking the redemption of their image through a transparent inquiry to clear the names and reputations of community leaders who they argue have been unfairly tarnished by association.

Furthermore, while the community prefers to rely on the IGP and high-level security command to address the matter first, they have not ruled out exploring further legal avenues or court action to defend their rights and collective reputation.

The Fulbe Congress maintains that sweeping generalisations damage community relations and hopes for prompt intervention from national security authorities to establish the complete facts surrounding the incident.

Source: Radio Waa