Fake Feds, Real Trouble” — 5 Busted After Posing as National Security to Hit Mining Site

Five men are in serious trouble after allegedly disguising themselves as National Security operatives to pull off a robbery at a mining site in Ghana’s Western North Region. According to police, the suspects were arrested on April 2 following intelligence-led operations around Suiaboi and Dadieso. The group had reportedly been moving from community to community in full “security mode” — demanding documents, intimidating miners, and seizing items like they were on official duty. Their cover didn’t last long. Residents became suspicious, with some confronting them while others tracked their movements and tipped off authorities. Police moved in swiftly and intercepted the group before things escalated further. The suspects — Amponsah Asare Wagan (33), Nelson Agbodzah (28), Awedagah Norbert (27), Francis Brefo (35), and Benjamin Boakye (48), the driver — were picked up and taken to the Dadieso Police Station for investigations. During questioning, the stories started flying. Wagan allegedly claimed he was a medical doctor, a son of a top security figure, and even an NDC branch communicator at Kwadaso. Others also tried to link themselves to National Security and regional offices. Police say none of that checked out. Preliminary investigations revealed that at least two of them had no links to any state institution and were unemployed. Authorities now believe the whole operation was planned from the start. Investigators say Wagan put the team together in Kumasi under the excuse of gathering intelligence, but instead redirected them to a mining site at Suiaboi — where things turned criminal. At the site, the group allegedly vandalised equipment, ransacked workers’ rooms, and bolted with mobile phones and GH¢2,000 in cash. A search of their rented Toyota Hilux (sourced from a Kumasi company) uncovered more suspicious items — including water pumping machines, car batteries, excavator parts, mobile phones, keys, a live AA cartridge, and military camouflage trousers. Police say Wagan has since confessed, claiming he was hired by a former worker of the mining site, identified only as “Yaw,” who allegedly wanted to expose his ex-employer. Authorities are still digging deeper into that angle. The suspects are expected to face court soon, while police are warning the public to stay alert and report anyone posing as security personnel. Not everyone in uniform is legit — and this case proves it.