A group of residents from Tamale and the Northern Region have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to re-deploy the Black Maria special operations team to help fight crime in the area. The petition, led by Abdulai Manan, also known as Jibson, argues that the withdrawal of the team in 2025 has led to a resurgence in drug peddling and related crimes. The Black Maria team was initially deployed to Tamale in November 2025 to tackle rising crime and drug trafficking.
The Black Maria special operations team, led by DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, made significant progress in curbing the sale and abuse of illicit substances, particularly Tramadol, during its deployment. The team's presence restored a visible sense of order and public confidence across the metropolis and its surrounding communities. However, following agitation from some political and traditional authorities, the task force was withdrawn from the region.
Since the withdrawal of Black Maria, Tamale and its environs have experienced a resurgence in the sale and use of illicit drugs, as well as other associated criminal activities. This resurgence threatens the safety of communities, the wellbeing of youth, and the hard-won gains recorded during Black Maria's deployment. The petitioners argue that the presence of a task force with the strength, visibility, and effectiveness demonstrated by Black Maria is necessary to drastically reduce, if not completely eradicate, the current surge in drug-related crime.
The petitioners have requested that the IGP re-deploy the Black Maria Special Operations Task Force to the Northern Region as a matter of urgency. They also requested that DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil be retained as the leader of the task force, given his proven results, discipline, and momentum. Additionally, the petitioners urged the IGP to institute clear oversight and accountability mechanisms to guide the conduct of officers and ensure operations are carried out professionally and within the bounds of the law.
The petitioners acknowledged that during its previous deployment, the Black Maria task force was associated with complaints of excessive conduct in its dealings with some members of the public. To address this, they urged the IGP to establish clear supervisory structures, regular reporting to the Regional Police Command, and a straightforward complaints mechanism. This, they believe, will ensure that the task force's operations remain firmly professional, disciplined, and lawful.
The redeployment of the Black Maria team is seen as a crucial step in addressing the rising crime and drug trafficking in Tamale. The petitioners believe that the team's presence will go a long way toward restoring safety and security in the region. They have urged the IGP to give the petition urgent attention, as the safety and future of the youth of the Northern Region depend on decisive and sustained action against illicit drug activity and crime.
The petitioners have expressed their willingness to cooperate with the Police Service and provide any further information necessary to support the request. They are hopeful that the IGP will consider their petition and take decisive action to address the rising crime and drug trafficking in Tamale. The outcome of the petition is yet to be determined.
Key points
- The petitioners are seeking the redeployment of the Black Maria special operations team to combat rising crime and drug trafficking in Tamale.
- The team was initially deployed in November 2025 and made significant progress in curbing illicit substance abuse.
- The petitioners have requested that DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil be retained as the leader of the task force.
