Bawku (U/E), April 17, GNA - The police have arrested six suspected armed robbers who were preparing to launch an operation in the Bawku municipality.

Two AK 47 assault rifles with loaded 29 rounds of ammunition each, two masks and other offensive implements were in their possession. The suspects, aged between 26 and 44 and whose names have not been given, were believed to be part of a wider syndicate that operates nationwide.

Chief Superintendent Peter King Gyinae, the Bawku Divisional Police Commander who briefed the Ghana News Agency, said on Sunday evening some community members at Avingo, a suburb of Bawku were suspicious of one of the suspects who was riding a motor bike. When they attempted to question him but he sped off. He said they pursued him and when he was arrested two masks were found on him, so he was sent to the chief's palace. Mr Gyinae said the suspect explained that he was on his way to a friend's house at Bansi so the chief informed the police who escorted the suspect to the friend's house.

The police discovered two AK 47 assault rifles loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition each and other offensive implements. He told the police that the rifles their leader, who was based in Buipe in the Northern Region, supplied the weapons and mentioned some members who were also based in Bolgatanga and Bawku. He said a follow-up exercise on Monday morning led to the arrest of the four at Mazema, another suburb, who confessed that their leader at Buipe provided the weapons.

Mr Gyinae commended the community members for their vigilance and urged the public to watch out for suspicious characters in their communities to secure the safety of residents in the municipality. The six suspects have been transferred to the Regional Headquarters for further interrogations 17 April 07