7 Arrested Over Armed Hijacking of 5,400-Litre Fuel Tanker

Seven suspects have been apprehended in connection with the armed hijacking of a 5,400-litre fuel tanker, following a dramatic police operation that spanned two regions — Greater Accra and Eastern.

According to the Ghana Police Service, the arrests were the result of a swift, coordinated snap-check operation in the early hours of August 7, 2025.

The incident began around 12:30 a.m. at the Ablekuma Borkorborkor police checkpoint in Accra. Officers stopped a green pickup truck carrying three passengers in its open bucket. As police approached, two of the passengers suddenly jumped out and fled, yelling that they had been attacked by armed men who had hijacked their fuel tanker near Nsawam the night before.

The driver of the pickup attempted to speed away, leaving behind the third passenger, who was caught after a brief chase and placed under arrest.

Police identified the victims as two tanker drivers from Tema, who had been handcuffed and forcibly transported in the suspects’ pickup until the checkpoint intervention. The stolen tanker was later confirmed to have registration number GT 2493–20.

Acting swiftly on intelligence, officers traced the suspects to Asikwa Junction near Bunso in the Eastern Region, where they arrested six more individuals. At the scene, police recovered:

• The stolen fuel tanker (GT 2493–20)
• Another tanker (GN 804–13)
• A pumping machine believed to have been used to siphon the stolen fuel
• A Volkswagen Golf (GW 5185–Z) linked to the suspects

All seven suspects are now in police custody and are expected to be arraigned in court. The seized fuel tankers, pumping machine, and vehicle remain in police possession as investigations continue.

In a statement, the Ghana Police Service praised the officers involved, noting that their quick action and cross-regional coordination were key to intercepting the suspects and recovering the stolen property. Authorities assured the public that all individuals responsible will face the full force of the law.

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