The Burkinabe national police announced on October 10, 2026, that they had apprehended over a dozen suspected robbers in the Djoro region, located in the southwestern part of the country. According to a statement, the Service Régional de la Police Judiciaire (SRPJ) du Djoro, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, successfully dismantled a group of criminals who were responsible for armed robberies in several areas of Burkina Faso and neighboring countries.
The gang, comprising mostly repeat offenders, was highly organized and structured, with each member having a well-defined role. Their modus operandi involved identifying targets, primarily commercial establishments, Orange Money shops, gold foundries, and stations, before preparing and executing the robberies. The suspects would often use motorbikes, wear masks, and carry firearms and bladed weapons to intimidate and overpower their victims.
The police revealed that the gang's targets were mainly chosen for their potential to yield large sums of money. The robbers would often conduct reconnaissance, determine the participants and means required for the operation, and then carry out the heists in pairs, using motorbikes and wearing disguises. They would also use intimidation tactics, including firing warning shots, to prevent intervention from bystanders.
The Burkinabe police, with the assistance of local populations, were able to apprehend 14 active members of the gang and seize various items, including two pump-action rifles, a hunting rifle, four automatic pistols, ammunition, bladed weapons, a vehicle, motorbikes, and household appliances. The authorities expressed gratitude to the citizens who contributed to the success of the operation.
The police also urged citizens to remain vigilant and take precautions to avoid being targeted by similar gangs. They advised against keeping large sums of money in commercial establishments and encouraged people to report suspicious activities to the designated green numbers: 17, 16, and 1010.
According to the police, the gang operated in multiple locations, including Diarkadougou, Ouagadougou, Pouytenga, Houndé, Pâ, Dano, Diébougou, Bouroum-Bouroum, Legmoin, Kampti, Doudou, Gaoua, Bousséra, Galgouli, Bantara, Doropo, and Bouaké. Their activities had been causing concern for local residents and authorities.
The Burkinabe national police reaffirmed their commitment to serving the citizens and maintaining public safety. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the community in preventing and combating crime.
Key points
- 14 suspected robbers apprehended in Djoro region
- Gang was highly organized and responsible for armed robberies in multiple locations
- Police seize various items, including firearms, ammunition, and household appliances
