Suspected highway robber shot by police

A suspected highway robber, Mahamadu Gariba Kirror, has been shot dead by the police, according to a brief issued on Monday.

Police say he was part of a gang linked to a deadly attack on commuters on the Atebubu–Yeji Highway on 29 January 2026, during which a mini-van driver and a passenger were shot and killed.

The Ghana Police Service said Kirror was arrested on 31 January at about 10:30, following intelligence-led operations. Officers said a search on him uncovered a locally made pistol, two live BB cartridges, three mobile phones and a talisman.

Police said one of the phones was identified as belonging to Nadia Haruna, who told investigators it was among items taken from her during the robbery.

The police account said the attack happened at about 22:15 on 29 January, when a mini-van with registration number AS-6444-14 was ambushed on the Atebubu to Yeji stretch. The driver and a passenger, Hafisa Owusu Haruna, were killed in the shooting.

During interrogation, police say Kirror admitted involvement and mentioned several alleged accomplices, including Umaru, Issifu, Furgur, Ibrahim, Shaibu and Yelow.

Police said that on 1 February at about 19:45, he led officers to a bush area in the Atebubu Municipality to help arrest the others. Officers said that as they neared the location, he suggested using a footpath, then attempted to escape into a nearby forest. Police said shots were fired to stop him, and he sustained gunshot injuries.

He was taken to Atebubu Government Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. His body has been placed at the hospital mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.

Police said efforts are continuing to arrest the remaining suspects mentioned in the case.