The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four armed suspects following an intelligence-led operation at an illegal mining site at Anbanzie in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.
The operation, conducted on Monday, 9 February 2026, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., targeted an active illegal mining setup in the area.
According to NAIMOS, operatives encountered resistance from about 15 individuals armed with cutlasses and wearing cowries, who attempted to block the taskforce convoy from accessing the site.
The group reportedly attacked the operatives while they were performing their lawful duties.
The taskforce responded swiftly, overpowering the attackers and arresting four suspects, while the remaining individuals fled the scene. The illegal mining site was subsequently raided and dismantled.
The arrested suspects have been identified as: Massawudu Alhassan, 34, Zuberu Ahmidu, 32, William Boateng, 28 and Ernest Abeka, 22.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were part of a larger group employed by the site owner to guard the illegal mining operations.
The suspects reportedly disclosed that about 28 individuals had been recruited for this purpose.
The four suspects have since been handed over to the Salma Police Station to assist with further investigations and possible prosecution.
Commenting on the operation, the Director of Operations of NAIMOS warned illegal mining operators and their affiliates to desist from acts of violence against state security personnel, stressing that the taskforce will continue to enforce the law and protect its operatives during operations.
