Burkina Faso police dismantle robbery gang, seize three Kalashnikovs
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Lefaso.net
Burkina Faso’s national police have dismantled a Ouagadougou network specialising in armed robberies, seized three Kalashnikovs, two automatic pistols, ammunition and motorcycles, and estimate losses at about 10 million CFA francs. The gang operated at night in pairs across several districts of the capital and nearby areas, targeting service stations, shops and electronic transaction businesses, according to police.
The National Police of Burkina Faso said they had arrested active members of a network involved in armed robberies in Ouagadougou and several nearby areas. The operation, conducted by the police station of arrondissement No. 9, led to the seizure of three Kalashnikovs, two automatic pistols, ammunition, motorcycles and various goods, with losses estimated at about 10 million CFA francs, according to the National Police.
The criminals operated mainly at night, in pairs, particularly in the Yagma, Marcoussis, Toudoubwéogo and Kamboinsin districts, as well as in Pabré, Laye and Boussé. They targeted service stations, shops and electronic transaction businesses, threatening their victims with firearms and opening fire in cases of resistance or an alert, according to the National Police.
The network was also involved in identity theft, handling stolen goods, and the sale and consumption of narcotics. Investigators obtained information that led to the arrests through cooperation from local residents, whom the National Police are urging to remain vigilant and use the toll-free numbers 17, 16 and 1010 to report suspicious behaviour.
