In a daring daytime robbery, two suspects stole 1,970,000 FCFA ($3,300) from a Gagnoa business on June 25, 2026, after deliberately cutting the power to disable the security cameras. The brazen heist was carried out by a 35-year-old Ivorian ferronnier, T.J., and a 36-year-old Burkinabe vigile, B.B. According to investigators, the pair had been planning the robbery for some time, with T.J. having previously worked on the business premises and identifying the location of the electrical meter and cash register.
The robbery occurred when the business's caissière, K.A.S., arrived at work to find that the power had gone out. She alerted her employer, who instructed her to have the meter recharged. While she waited for the power to be restored, the two suspects entered the premises, with one producing a machete and forcing K.A.S. to lie on the ground. The suspects then made their way to the cash register, where they stole the 1,970,000 FCFA.
An investigation by the Gagnoa Brigade de Recherche et d'Intervention (BRI) led to the arrest of T.J. and B.B. Following their interrogation, T.J. confessed to masterminding the robbery, stating that he had previously worked on the business premises and had identified the location of the electrical meter and cash register. He claimed that he had enlisted B.B.'s help in carrying out the robbery.
According to investigators, the power outage that preceded the robbery was not a coincidence, but a deliberate act to disable the security cameras. The BRI investigation revealed that T.J. and B.B. had planned the robbery meticulously, with T.J. using his knowledge of the premises to their advantage.
T.J. and B.B. have been charged with armed robbery and are currently being held at the Gagnoa prison. The Ivorian authorities have reminded businesses of the importance of securing their premises and having backup power systems in place to prevent similar incidents.
The Gagnoa BRI's success in solving the case has been attributed to their swift response and thorough investigation. The authorities have praised the BRI for their efforts in keeping the community safe and reducing crime in the area.
This incident serves as a reminder to businesses to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents. The Ivorian authorities have urged businesses to review their security measures and take steps to protect their premises and employees.
Key points
- Two suspects arrested for stealing $3,300 from a Gagnoa business after cutting power to disable security cameras.
- The suspects, a 35-year-old Ivorian ferronnier and a 36-year-old Burkinabe vigile, were arrested by the Gagnoa Brigade de Recherche et d'Intervention.
- The robbery was carried out on June 25, 2026, and the suspects have been charged with armed robbery.
