Police officers threaten to quit over rising attacks

The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has disclosed that some police officers deployed to Bawku have threatened to resign if they are not transferred from the area amid escalating security threats.

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, February 10, the Minister revealed that the situation in the enclave has taken a heavy toll on officers, with some personnel, including those stationed at checkpoints, shot and killed within the past three months.

“I have had instances where some officers say that if you don’t transfer me from that area, I will rather resign. Why? Because the citizens themselves over there are not helpful. To the extent that people have the courage to go and openly fire at police officers and kill them…at the checkpoints,” he told the House.

Muntaka Mubarak noted that at one point, the Inspector-General of Police ordered the temporary withdrawal of officers from certain checkpoints due to the heightened danger. However, he stressed that the move was not meant to be permanent.

“I had to insist that the answer is not to withdraw but rather position them with armored vehicles. As MPs, we need to work with these security people so that we will be able to create an enabling environment within the area so they can assist and help us,” he said.

The Minister appealed to Members of Parliament from affected constituencies to collaborate with security agencies to help stabilise the area and ensure officers can operate without fear.

His comments underscore the growing risks faced by law enforcement personnel in Bawku, where recurring disturbances continue to threaten both security officers and civilians, intensifying calls for stronger cooperation between political leaders, local communities, and security agencies to restore calm.

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