The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four armed men following a targeted operation at an illegal mining site in Anbanzie, located in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.
The suspects were picked up on Monday, February 9, 2026, during an intelligence-led night raid conducted between 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm.
NAIMOS disclosed that operatives faced fierce resistance upon arrival at the site. About 15 individuals, reportedly wielding cutlasses and adorned with cowries, attempted to block the taskforce convoy from entering the area and allegedly attacked officers as they carried out their assignment.
Despite the confrontation, the taskforce subdued the attackers, arresting four suspects while several others managed to escape. The illegal mining setup at the site was subsequently dismantled.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Massawudu Alhassan, 34; Zuberu Ahmidu, 32; William Boateng, 28; and Ernest Abeka, 22.
Preliminary interrogation by NAIMOS suggests the suspects were part of a larger security group hired by the site owner to protect the illegal mining operation. The suspects reportedly indicated that about 28 individuals had been recruited for that purpose.
The four men have since been handed over to the Salma Police Station to assist with investigations and possible prosecution.
Commenting on the operation, the Director of Operations at NAIMOS cautioned illegal mining networks against attacking taskforce personnel, stressing that operatives would defend themselves when confronted with violence.
He added that the secretariat will intensify operations against illegal mining activities nationwide.
