A remarkable police operation thwarted a highway robbery attack on the Issia-Guessabo road. Conducted on Friday, December 12, 2025, this preventative operation led to the arrest of two heavily armed individuals , suspected members of a notorious gang operating in western Ivory Coast.

Meticulous Operation and Arrest

It was thanks to targeted anonymous intelligence that the Daloa research section, with the support of the local headquarters' GDR (Research and Development Group), was able to orchestrate this operation. The alert indicated the presence of two criminals planning an armed robbery on the section of road linking Issia to Guessabo.

Law enforcement quickly implemented a surveillance strategy that proved successful. The suspects, identified as B. Sawadogo (45 years old) and O. Lora (42 years old) , both Burkinabe nationals and farmers, were intercepted while riding a motorcycle in the targeted area.

🤯 An Arsenal Seized Under Siege

A search of the two men and their vehicle, a Haouju motorcycle, revealed a veritable arsenal concealed under the seat. The police seized:

1. A Kalashnikov
2. A magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62 mm caliber ammunition
3. An automatic pistol with a second magazine of six rounds of the same caliber
4. Two Techno brand mobile phones

Confessions and a Dismantled Network

During their interrogation, the two suspects quickly confessed to belonging to a six-member gang, infamous for terrorizing several towns in the West, including Biankouma, Man, Bouaflé, Bonon, Bédiala and Gadouan .

Four other members of this group are already incarcerated at the Man Detention and Correctional Center. B. Sawadogo and O. Lora will join their accomplices after their detention at the Daloa headquarters. They will be brought before the public prosecutor at the Daloa Court of First Instance on Monday, December 15, 2025, to answer for their actions.

🛡️ Peace of Mind Restored and Congratulations

This operation illustrates the increased effectiveness of the National Gendarmerie's intelligence and prevention capabilities . By neutralizing this attack before it occurred, law enforcement not only prevented a violent crime, but also dealt a severe blow to an active criminal network.

Residents of the affected areas warmly praised the professionalism and vigilance of the gendarmes, expressing their reassurance regarding the protection of their property and the safety of the roads. This incident underscores the crucial importance of swift action and coordination among security forces to maintain public order.