Twins Caught in the Act: 13 Suspects Nabbed in Yagma Robbery Sting Operation

The Yagma City Gendarmerie Brigade, after careful investigation, dismantled a network of alleged perpetrators of robberies, criminal associations, accomplices in armed robbery and receiving stolen goods. 13 suspects were presented to the media this Tuesday, November 5, 2024 by the commander of the Yagma City Brigade, Chief Warrant Officer Laurent Benao and his men.

Following a number of complaints from robbery victims, the Yagma City Gendarmerie Brigade opened an investigation. The investigations will lead to the arrest of 13 suspects. It all started, according to Chief Warrant Officer Laurent Benao, “in October, a citizen informed us of the presence of a motorcycle in a house in Marcoussis. Beyond this information, a team was sent to the scene. Unfortunately, the motorbike was no longer there. But the investigation continued, and this led to the arrest of 13 suspects, including 8 for robbery, 4 for receiving stolen goods and 1 for complicity. According to the commander of the Yagma City Brigade, they were organized in groups of two and three. They were looted, especially the motorbikes, refurbished with a new serial number and submitted for new registration and sold as is. When they can’t change the motorcycle’s serial number, they cut it up and sell it to scrap dealers. The suspects who have been arrested are aged between 18 and 26, with students and apprentice drivers among them.
Mode of operation
Yagma City Brigade commander, Chief Warrant Officer Laurent Benao, explained the modus operandi of these criminals. Using firearms, fake weapons and bladed weapons, they stalked their victims in the neighborhoods of Bassinko, Gambre-yaare, Marcousis, and Yagma. “They went on to find suitable places for their operations, in particular shops, unlit streets and the surroundings of pubs whose customers were the target. Then using their weapons, they threatened and intimidated their victims before disposing of their motorbikes, mobile phones, money and other valuables,” said Chief Warrant Officer Benao. The investigation continues because according to the Chief Warrant Officer, the questions revealed many things that could lead to the dismantling of others. At the moment, four people who are on the run are being actively sought.
Material seized from criminals
Yagma City Brigade commander, Chief Warrant Officer Laurent Benao and his men presented the equipment seized with the thugs. These include automatic pistols including two dummies, knives, 4 mopeds, motorcycle parts, a laptop. The weapons seized belong to civilians. “These are weapons that are stolen by children from their fathers to put on the market,” Chief Warrant Officer Benao told us. And the leader of the squadron, who controls the Gendarmerie Group in the Ouagadougou department, Issa Paré, added that “those who hold firearms must constantly ensure that their weapons are where they were placed”. And for parents to be more vigilant with their children. Especially at the end of the year, he recommends great care to the population and to always trust the defense and security forces by calling the toll-free numbers 16, 10/10. Those arrested, including twins, were taken before prosecutor Faso at Ouaga I High Court.
Sure OUATTARA