Tension is reported to have risen in Tamale area after a man believed to be in his early forties was shot dead during an operation by a special police team deployed by the Inspector General of Police to clamp down on criminal activity in the area.
According to a December 2, 2025 report by 3news.com indicate that Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, Abu Takoro, is worried that although the security crackdown has had some positive impacts, recent excesses are putting the city’s stability at risk. He has called for an independent and thorough probe into the incident.
Police crack down on drug peddling in Tamale, 27 in custody
The shooting occurred during a swoop at the Poloya Fong forest enclave, where members of the Special Operations Team reportedly opened fire.
The article indicated that witnesses told 3news that the victim, said to be a passerby on a motorbike, tried to flee after sporadic gunshots rang out, only to be struck by what they believe was a stray bullet and he died on the spot.
Takoro, who also chairs the Metropolitan Security Committee (MUSEC), described the chain of events as regrettable.
“We welcomed the special team when they arrived, and their presence has contributed positively. But burning tricycles at Nobisco forest and the shooting of this young man are deeply troubling,” he said, adding that MUSEC has already forwarded its recommendations to the IGP.
The Northern Regional Police Command has acknowledged the death.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Alhassan Lukman, the command said officers acted in self-defence after coming under fire from suspected criminals during the December 1, 2025, operation.
According to the statement, the deceased sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and was confirmed dead afterward.
His body has been sent to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for an autopsy and further investigations.
This incident follows another operation on November 27, when the IGP’s team raided the Nobisco forest, torching tricycles and motorbikes believed to be used by suspected drug traffickers.
AK/AM
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