The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of the Special Operations Taskforce from the Tamale metropolis in the Northern Region.

The move, which involved the team popularly known as the “Black Maria,” sparked youth-led demonstrations in Tamale, with protesters calling for the task force to return and continue its crackdown on the illicit drug trade.

However, addressing members of the Special Operations Taskforce in Accra on Monday, March 9, the IGP explained that the unit is designed for temporary assignments and not intended for permanent deployment in any particular location.

According to him, the team had completed its mandate in Tamale, which led to the decision to withdraw it from the area.

“We went to Ashanti South and Diaso and all the rest, and over there, it was fabulous. When I was withdrawing you, it was a problem. Why did I withdraw you, people from there?  When you say a special team, it doesn’t become a permanent team.

“You go somewhere, you perform your duties, leave the rest for the local police to do, and then you move on to another place,” he explained.