The evening of Monday, January 19, 2026, was expected to be calm in Akoupé . It was just after 7 p.m., the streets were slowly emptying, shops were closing, and families were returning home. Nothing foreshadowed the violence that would suddenly erupt in the city.

Two men on a motorcycle suddenly appeared and entered a money transfer agency without hesitation. One was armed with a Kalashnikov , the other with an automatic pistol . Within seconds, fear took hold. Threats, panic, confusion. Then the robbers sped off.

But the getaway was short-lived. Poor motorcycle control led to a sudden crash. The impact was violent. One of the two men was seriously injured and remained on the ground, unable to get up. Alerted, police officers from the Akoupé station quickly arrived on the scene. A backpack found on the arrested individual revealed the extent of the danger narrowly avoided: an AK-47 , an 18-round magazine , an automatic pistol, cell phones, and watches.

The man, identified as B. Bi FB , 26 years old and father of two, is far from unknown to the security services. He had been wanted since 2023 for several armed robberies across the country. His accomplice manages to escape… or so he thinks.

The case was then handed over to the BRI NORD . Discreet, methodical, and remarkably efficient, the special unit observed, cross-checked information, and prepared its intervention. Three days later, in the early hours of Thursday, January 22, 2026 , at 4:30 a.m. , the BRI NORD launched its operation in Brou-Kpaoussou , not far from Bongouanou .

The fugitive was located and apprehended. His name is TS , he is 35 years old, and he identifies himself as a gold miner, also a father of two. The signs of his escape are visible: his left arm and foot are bandaged, and his injuries from the fall during the accident are still fresh. This time, there was no escape.

When questioned by investigators, the two men confessed. They admitted not only to the Akoupé robbery, but also to an attack in Adzopé , where nearly 1,950,000 FCFA was stolen. Their chillingly simple modus operandi was revealed: prior reconnaissance of banks to verify their creditworthiness, followed by a swift armed robbery.

Regarding the weapons, one of the suspects claims that they belong to other individuals who left Ivory Coast for Burkina Faso after an armed attack in Man in December 2025. These statements open up new leads.

Two robbers neutralized, weapons of war seized, lives likely saved. The two suspects have been brought before the courts to answer for their actions, while the BRI Nord continues its investigation. Further arrests are possible.

In Akoupé, the city is breathing again. But that January night will remain etched in memories as the one where the violence was brought to a complete halt by the professionalism and determination of the security forces.