Some residents of 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 Tamale.
Led by Convener Abdulai Manan (Jibson) on behalf of concerned Northern Region residents, it is their argument that drug peddling and related crimes have resurfaced following the unit’s withdrawal.
The special operations team was deployed to Tamale in 2025 to tackle rising crime and drug trafficking in the area.
It was pulled out after completing its temporary mandate, which previously triggered local protests.
Attached below is a full copy of the petition
PETITION FOR THE RE-DEPLOYMENT OF THE IGP SPECIAL OPERATIONS TASK FORCE (“BLACK MARIA”) UNDER DSP BAWAH ABDUL JALIL TO THE NORTHERN REGION
We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Tamale and the Northern Region, write to formally petition your outfit regarding the urgent need to redeploy the IGP Special Operations Task Force, popularly known as “Black Maria,” led by DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil, back to the Northern Region.
1. Background
The Black Maria task force was deployed to Tamale in November 2025 to reinforce security in response to growing public concern over armed robbery, drug peddling, and related crimes in the Northern Region. During its operation, the unit made significant progress in curbing the sale and abuse of illicit substances, particularly Tramadol, and restored a visible sense of order and public confidence across the metropolis and its surrounding communities.
Following agitation from some political and traditional authorities, the task force was withdrawn from the region. In its place, the Northern Regional Police Command established a local task force, “Red Maria,” to sustain the anti-crime effort. While we acknowledge the work of Red Maria, its activities and results have not matched the scale, visibility, and deterrent impact that Black Maria achieved under the leadership of DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil.
2. Current Situation
Since the withdrawal of Black Maria, Tamale and its environs are once again experiencing a resurgence in the sale and use of illicit drugs, as well as other associated criminal activities. This resurgence threatens the safety of our communities, the wellbeing of our youth, and the hard-won gains recorded during Black Maria’s deployment.
3. Our Request
We respectfully request that the Inspector General of Police:
· Re-deploy the Black Maria Special Operations Task Force to the Northern Region as a matter of urgency; and
· Retain DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil as the leader of the task force, in view of the proven results, discipline, and momentum recorded under his command; and
· Institute clear oversight and accountability mechanisms alongside the redeployment, to guide the conduct of officers, ensure operations are carried out professionally and within the bounds of the law, and provide a proper channel for the public to report and have promptly addressed any complaints of excesses or misconduct.
We believe that the presence of a task force with the strength, visibility, and effectiveness demonstrated by Black Maria will go a long way toward drastically reducing, if not completely eradicating, the current surge in drug-related crime in Tamale.
4. On Oversight and Accountability
We recognise that during its previous deployment, the Black Maria task force was, on a few occasions, associated with complaints of excessive conduct in its dealings with some members of the public. We do not raise this to diminish the unit’s record, but to ensure that its return is even more effective and sustainable. We therefore urge that its redeployment be accompanied by clear supervisory structures, regular reporting to the Regional Police Command and your office, and a straightforward complaints mechanism, so that the task force’s operations remain firmly professional, disciplined, and lawful while it carries out this important work.
5. Conclusion
We urge your outfit to give this petition the urgent attention it deserves. The safety and future of the youth of the Northern Region depend on decisive and sustained action against illicit drug activity and crime. We stand ready to cooperate with the Police Service and provide any further information necessary to support this request.
Thank you for your anticipated favourable response.
