By Daisy Stanley
A coordinated robbery attempt targeting three major banks in Labone, Accra, was foiled early Thursday morning after a swift police operation led to the arrest of one suspect and the fatal shooting of two others.
The Ghana Police Service confirmed that at about 10:45am on Thursday, August 13, 2026, it received credible intelligence that a gang of armed robbers was preparing to attack the GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank branches located in the upscale Labone area.
In response, a tactical police team was immediately deployed to the area. According to the police, officers arrived on the scene and spotted members of the suspected syndicate in two vehicles parked in close proximity to the targeted banks.
The police statement said the suspects attempted to flee upon sighting the officers. One vehicle sped off, triggering a chase through the streets of Labone. During the pursuit, police succeeded in apprehending one suspect identified as Augustine Okechuku Maazi. The other occupant of that vehicle managed to escape and remains at large.
Meanwhile, occupants of the second vehicle also attempted to escape, but this time with gunfire. The police said they were forced to engage the suspects in a shootout. Two members of the gang were fatally shot during the exchange. Their bodies have since been deposited at a morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy.
No police officer or civilian was reported injured during the operation.
Police recovered significant exhibits from the scene that they believe were intended for use in the planned attacks. These include two vehicles — 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 arrested suspect, Augustine Okechuku Maazi, is currently in police custody and is assisting with investigations. The Service said it is working to identify the deceased and to track down the other gang members who escaped.
In a statement released Thursday, the Ghana Police Service commended the rapid response of the team deployed to Labone, noting that their intervention prevented what could have been a violent and costly attack on customers and staff of the three banks.
“The Ghana Police Service highly commends the response team for successfully foiling the planned robbery attempt,” the statement read.
“Their professionalism and bravery ensured that lives were protected and critical financial infrastructure was secured.”
The Service also expressed gratitude to members of the public for providing timely and credible information that aided the operation.
“We are grateful to members of the public who continue to share credible information on criminal activities with the police,” the statement noted, adding that “Such collaboration remains critical in our efforts to keep communities safe.”
Thursday’s incident comes amid renewed concerns over armed robbery targeting financial institutions in Accra and other urban centers.
Labone, which hosts several bank branches and busy commercial activity, has generally been considered a low-crime area, making today’s attempted attack notable. Bank officials at the affected branches declined to comment, but sources within the banks said normal operations resumed later in the day after police secured the premises.
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious persons or vehicles around banking premises. They also assured that investigations are ongoing and that further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
The Ghana Police Service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, and called on Ghanaians to continue partnering with law enforcement to prevent crimes
