21/05/2026
Details on latest NAIMOS operation.
THURSDAY, 21ST MAY, 2026
NAIMOS OPERATIONAL UPDATE: FOUR (4) ARMED THUGS ARRESTED FOR ENGAGING IN ILLEGAL MINING, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FI****MS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION ALONG THE ANKOBRA RIVER
The task force of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has apprehended four (4) armed thugs actively engaged in illegal mining activities at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
During routine patrols on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at approximately 1525 hours, the task force identified an illegal mining site operating along the Ankobra River at Dominase.
Upon arriving at the site, the task force was confronted by four (4) armed thugs wielding machetes and pump-action guns. The suspects were not only actively involved in the illegal mining operations but also served as security personnel for the site.
The armed thugs resisted arrest and refused to surrender to the task force. Instead, they violently attempted to obstruct the operation and prevent their arrest. However, the task force successfully subdued the suspects, leading to their apprehension.
The names of the arrested suspects are as follows:
1. Alpha Musa – 28 years
2. Rahaman Rojer – 29 years
3. Laji Bengali – 25 years
4. Mohammed Agana – 25 years
Following their arrest, the task force interrogated the suspects to gather intelligence on the illegal mining activities in the area.
During interrogation, the suspects alleged that they were operating under the authority of certain National Security personnel identified as Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, all believed to be from Prestea. These names have since been handed over to the Police to assist with ongoing investigations.
The activities of the suspects have caused extensive destruction to lands and forests in the area and significantly polluted the Ankobra River.
As part of the operation, the task force retrieved several items used in the illegal mining activities. These include:
1. Two (2) pump-action guns
2. Eighty-two (82) AA cartridges for pump-action guns
3. Three (3) machetes
4. One (1) water pumping machine
5. Two (2) SDLG control boards
During the operation, the task force also identified two (2) excavators at the site. Both excavators were immobilised in situ and rendered ineffective by detaching their control boards due to the immediate unavailability of low-bed transport services.
Subsequently, the NAIMOS task force handed over the four (4) arrested suspects, together with their mobile phones and talisman, to the Esiama District Police to assist with further investigations and prosecution.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Asiedu of the Esiama District Police received the suspects.
NAIMOS continues to intensify anti-galamsey operations across the country despite the risks posed by 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.
NAIMOS further appreciates the continued support of the general public in providing valuable intelligence that contributes to the success of its operations.
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