Security forces in the Sissala East District of the Upper West Region detained seventeen armed men identified as soldiers of the Burkinabè army after they were found operating within Ghanaian territory near the border community of Wuru. The incident occurred close to the Ghana Burkina Faso border, about an hour’s drive east of Tumu.
According to officials of the Ghana Immigration Service, the men, estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old, were found in possession of several military items, including firearms and explosive devices. Immigration officials said the soldiers were in the process of establishing what appeared to be a combat position using sandbags when residents of Wuru spotted them and alerted the authorities.
An official familiar with the operation said security personnel responded promptly to the distress call, ambushed the group, and transported them along with their weapons to the Immigration Service office for questioning. No exchange of fire was reported during the operation, and no injuries were recorded.
During interrogation, the detained men reportedly claimed they were Burkinabè soldiers on routine patrol who had lost their way and crossed into Ghanaian territory unintentionally. Despite this explanation, the men were held for several hours while the situation was assessed and reported to higher authorities.
At about 9:00 p.m. on the same day, security officials received instructions from national authorities directing that the soldiers be released. The following day, their weapons were also returned after a delegation led by officials from the Ghanaian Embassy in Burkina Faso engaged with local authorities.
The incident occurred within the Nazinga Forest range, an area that has raised security concerns in recent years. Between 2022 and 2023, residents of communities around the forest reported frequent sightings of armed men believed to be extremists moving through farmlands and forested areas. Locals said the presence of such armed groups disrupted farming, hunting, and other economic activities.
In December 2025, intelligence reports circulating within the region indicated renewed concerns about the possible return of armed groups believed to be linked to terrorist activity. While the detained Burkinabè soldiers were released without charges, security officials have not publicly stated whether the incident is connected to those intelligence reports.
Authorities say security monitoring along the border remains active, and residents have been encouraged to continue reporting suspicious movements. No further official statement has been issued regarding the long term implications of the incident.