NAIMOS Task Force Arrests Four Armed Thugs for Illegal Mining Along the Ankobra River
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four armed men for engaging in illegal mining, unlawful possession of firearms, and environmental destruction along the Ankobra River at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality.
According to NAIMOS, its task force apprehended the suspects during routine patrols on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at about 3:25 p.m.
The team encountered an illegal mining site operating on the riverbank and was confronted by four men wielding machetes and pump-action guns.
The suspects, who were acting as security for the site, resisted arrest and attempted to obstruct the operation but were overpowered and detained.
The arrested men were identified as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25.
During interrogation, they claimed to be operating under the authority of three individuals named Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, said to be National Security personnel from Prestea.
NAIMOS said the names have been handed over to the Police for investigation.
Items retrieved from the site included two pump-action guns, 82 AA cartridges, three machetes, one water pumping machine, and two SDLG control boards.
Two excavators found at the site were immobilised in situ after the task force detached their control boards, as low-bed transport was not immediately available.
The four suspects, along with their mobile phones and a talisman, were handed over to ASP Asiedu of the Esiama District Police for further investigation and prosecution.
The Secretariat further reported that the group’s activities had caused extensive damage to land and forests and significantly polluted the Ankobra River.
NAIMOS said the names have been handed over to the Police for investigation and further reported that the group’s activities had caused extensive damage to land and forests and significantly polluted the Ankobra River.
It said it would continue to intensify anti-galamsey operations nationwide despite risks from armed criminal elements.
“The Secretariat wishes to caution all illegal miners and armed thugs against any form of resistance, as the task force will not be deterred by such reckless actions,” the statement said.
The Secretariat also thanked the public for providing intelligence that has aided its operations.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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