Six operatives of Ghana’s Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) have been dismissed following an internal investigation into the discovery of mobile phones and other prohibited items in the cells of suspects held in the agency’s custody.

According to a reports, the investigation uncovered an alleged network involving compromised officers who reportedly supplied mobile phones and other unauthorised services to suspects in exchange for financial rewards.

The disciplinary action followed a security breach on February 16, 2026, when an officer conducting routine rounds discovered a suspect making a phone call from inside a holding cell.

The incident triggered an investigation that exposed security lapses in two holding facilities.

Mobile Phones and Screwdriver Found in Holding Facilities

Preliminary investigations reportedly uncovered at least six mobile phones, phone accessories and a screwdriver in two holding facilities operated by the BNI.

The presence of the items raised serious security concerns, particularly because detainees could potentially communicate with people outside the facilities without authorisation.

Investigators subsequently discovered a phone number belonging to a BNI operative written on the back of a playing card used by suspects for recreational activities.

The discovery prompted further inquiries into how the officer’s number had ended up in the possession of detainees and whether internal personnel were facilitating the unauthorised access to mobile phones.

Investigation Uncovers Alleged Internal Collusion

According to sources, the investigation uncovered an alleged arrangement in which a BNI officer supplied mobile phones and other prohibited services to suspects in return for financial benefits.

The report also indicated that the alleged activities extended to food deliveries.

Investigators reportedly established that some suspects, with assistance from compromised officers, arranged for relatives to obtain meals from restaurants outside the agency’s established procedures.

Mobile phones and accessories were allegedly concealed in food packages delivered to the holding facilities.

The findings raised concerns about the effectiveness of internal security procedures and the potential involvement of personnel in activities that could undermine investigations and detention protocols.

Eight Operatives Face Disciplinary Action

Eight BNI operatives were investigated and subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings over the matter.

Following the completion of the disciplinary process, six operatives were dismissed, one was demoted, and another was exonerated, according to reports.

The different outcomes indicate that the agency’s internal proceedings resulted in individual decisions based on the disciplinary process. However, the report did not identify the affected officers or provide further details about the specific findings against each of them.

The report further indicated that the BNI has strengthened its internal controls following the discovery of the alleged contraband network.

Sources said additional measures were being implemented to improve discipline and ensure strict compliance with the agency’s rules and regulations.

These measures reportedly include polygraph tests for staff as part of a wider internal screening exercise.

The ongoing measures are intended to address vulnerabilities within the agency and prevent similar security breaches in the future.

Security Implications for Ghana’s Intelligence Operations

The incident highlights the importance of strong internal oversight within intelligence and security institutions, where unauthorised communication by detainees can pose risks to investigations and operational security.

The reported discovery of mobile phones and other prohibited items also underscores the need for effective screening procedures, monitoring of deliveries and accountability among personnel responsible for detention facilities.

For an institution responsible for national intelligence and investigations, maintaining public confidence requires robust internal controls and consistent enforcement of security rules.

The BNI’s reported disciplinary action against the operatives represents a significant response to the breach, while the effectiveness of the additional safeguards will depend on their implementation and continued enforcement.

Source: 3News, October 22, 2026.