An intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Police Service successfully foiled a planned robbery targeting banks in the Labone area of Accra, acting on intelligence received at approximately 10:45 am on Thursday. Officers engaged a robbery syndicate preparing to attack GCB Bank, Ecobank, and Zenith Bank, resulting in the immediate arrest of a Nigerian national identified as Augustine Okechuku Maazi .

Following a vehicular chase, a confrontation ensued where police killed two other suspected gang members who opened fire while trying to escape, according to reports. While Maazi is in custody, police have launched a manhunt for additional accomplices, including a suspect who fled the scene.

Upon arriving at the scene, the Ghana Police Service response team spotted the syndicate waiting in vehicles parked near the targeted financial institutions. As officers approached, one of the vehicles immediately sped away in a bid to escape, prompting a high-speed pursuit. Operatives successfully intercepted the vehicle and apprehended Maazi, though another occupant managed to evade arrest and flee the scene.

“The robbers in the second vehicle also tried to escape amidst firing, but the police engaged them in a shootout, resulting in the death of two suspects,” the Police Service stated, adding that a fourth suspect reportedly escaped during the operation and a manhunt has been launched to apprehend him.

The Service explained that the police subsequently recovered two vehicles allegedly linked to the suspects, including a Toyota Highlander with registration number, GS-1434-18 and a Hyundai Tucson with registration number, GS 7915-17, as well as a blow pistol.

The police said that Maazi remained in police custody and was assisting investigators, while the bodies of the two deceased suspects had been deposited at the morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy.

Following the operation, the Ghana Police Service commended its response team and urged the public to continue providing credible information to help combat criminal activities. However, law enforcement officials have not yet specified whether the syndicate’s plan involved breaching the physical bank buildings or targeting individuals outside in the immediate vicinity.

In sharp contrast to the initial police report, GCB Bank PLC issued a swift public disclaimer flatly denying that its Labone branch was robbed or that any attempted heist occurred on its premises. The financial institution emphasized that the widely reported security incident took place elsewhere in the Labone area and did not involve their facility.

Management further reassured the public that neither the bank’s physical infrastructure nor its ongoing operations were compromised during the police action. GCB Bank confirmed that all employees, customers, funds, and property remained completely safe and unaffected, adding that the branch continues to be secure and fully operational.