The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 10 heavily armed Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, at Abusa in the Ashanti Region.
This comes after the Secretariat in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) dismantled a major illegal mining network operating within the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
The intelligence-led operation, conducted on October 23, 2025, led to the arrest of several illegal miners and nine armed impostors posing as National Security operatives.
According to NAIMOS, the impostors were apprehended in khaki uniforms and claimed to be acting under the command of a “Major Jabari.” A search on them uncovered a pistol with three rounds of ammunition, a toy pistol, a pump-action shotgun, cartridges, and handcuffs — all seized as exhibits.
During the exercise, NAIMOS operatives also intercepted individuals who attempted to bribe officers with GH₵120,000 for the release of arrested miners. The suspects were immediately detained for attempting to bribe law enforcement officers.
The task force later discovered that illegal miners had established a settlement deep within the forest, with wooden structures and tents serving as operational bases. The structures and equipment were destroyed to prevent reoccupation.