11 fake National Security operatives arrested for alleged extortion at Aboa

The Eastern Regional Police Command has arrested 11 men accused of posing as National Security operatives to extort money from cannabis farmers in Aboa, a farming community in the Yilo Krobo Municipality.

The suspects reportedly wore National Security uniforms and moved from one community to another, demanding money from residents, particularly those involved in cannabis cultivation.

Reports by Accra-based Citi News indicate that the group operated in Aboa, Osoya, Osuboi No. 1, Opesika, and other nearby communities.

The suspects allegedly used motorbikes to patrol the areas and promised cannabis farmers protection from police raids and other law enforcement operations in exchange for money.

The group had reportedly been under surveillance by the Eastern Regional Police Command’s Operations Unit for several months.

Acting on intelligence that the suspects had resumed their activities, officers mounted an early morning operation and arrested them shortly after they allegedly collected GH¢3,000 from farmers at Aboa.

During the operation, police seized a silver Toyota Voxy with registration number GE 8755-26, a pump-action gun, and a pistol believed to have been used by the suspects.

The suspects have since been taken to the Eastern Regional Police Command in Koforidua, where they are assisting with investigations.