A Nigerian national, identified as Augustine Okechuku Maazi, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service in connection with an alleged planned robbery targeting three banks in Accra.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in the Labone area of Accra, where the police said a robbery syndicate was preparing to attack GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank.
According to the Ghana Police Service, it received intelligence about the planned operation at about 10:45am and immediately deployed officers to the area.
The suspected robbers were reportedly spotted in two vehicles parked close to the banks.
The police said the suspects attempted to escape after sighting the officers. One of the vehicles sped away, but officers gave chase and arrested one of its occupants, identified as Maazi. The other occupant reportedly escaped.
Suspects in the second vehicle also allegedly attempted to flee while firing at the police, resulting in a shootout.
The police said two suspects were killed during the exchange of gunfire, while another suspect escaped.
Following the operation, the police recovered two vehicles allegedly linked to the suspects — a Toyota Highlander and a Hyundai Tucson — as well as a blow pistol.
Maazi remains in police custody and is assisting investigators with inquiries into the alleged robbery plot.
The bodies of the two suspects killed during the shootout have been deposited at a morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy.
The Ghana Police Service commended its response team for foiling the alleged robbery and thanked members of the public for providing information that helped law enforcement authorities respond to the planned attack.
Investigations are ongoing as police work to establish the identities and roles of the other suspects and track down the person who escaped.
