The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested six suspects, alleged to be members of a task force popularly known as “Faako”, over allegations of extortion, assault, stealing, and impersonating a Police anti-illegal drug operation team within Tamale.
The arrests followed a complaint received by the Police on Tuesday, 7th July 2026, from a victim.
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The complainant alleged that on the night of 6th July 2026, members of the group stormed his residence, searched the premises, seized suspected tramadol, confiscated his unregistered Yamaha motorbike valued at GH¢42,000.00, and took GH¢28,000.00 in cash.
The complainant alleged that he was handcuffed and taken to the group’s office, popularly known as Kandaha in Aboabo, Tamale, where he was unlawfully detained, assaulted, and threatened with being handed over to the Police Red Maria anti-illegal drug team if he failed to comply with their demands.
He further claimed the group demanded GH¢15,000 before his motorbike would be released.
Acting on the complaint, officers of the Police Red Maria anti-illegal drug team proceeded to the location with the complainant to identify the suspects and recover the confiscated items.
Police arrested Hardi Tajudeen (24), Lukman Iddrisu (42), Abdul Rauf Alhassan (36), Muntala Mohammed (41), Somed Abdul Rahaman alias Bikorkor (47) and Nasiru Alhassan alias Gbarigbari (49) to assist with investigations. The suspects have been granted Police enquiry bail while investigations continue.
During the operation, the police retrieved GH¢12,273.00, the complainant’s unregistered Yamaha motorbike, and six (6) sachets of Royal Fort 250mg Tramadol, which have been retained as exhibits.
The Command has received reports that some individuals are using the name “Red Maria” to threaten and extort members of the public. The Northern Regional Police Command wishes to state that Red Maria is an official Police anti-illegal drug operational team and does not collaborate with any groups in its operations.
The Command, therefore, cautions all persons or groups falsely claiming affiliation with Red Maria or any Police unit to desist immediately. Anyone found engaging in such criminal acts will be arrested and prosecuted.
Members of the public who may have been subjected to similar acts of intimidation, extortion, assault, or unlawful detention by persons claiming to be associated with Red Maria or any other Police unit are encouraged to report to the nearest Police Station.
