he National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Taskforce has apprehended four armed men suspected of providing security at an illegal mining (galamsey) site at Anbanzie in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.
The suspects were arrested on Monday, February 9, 2026, during a night-time, intelligence-driven operation carried out between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
NAIMOS reported that its team faced resistance from approximately 15 individuals wielding cutlasses and wearing cowries, who allegedly tried to prevent the taskforce convoy from entering the site. The group is said to have confronted and attacked the operatives as they attempted to execute their assignment.
The taskforce managed to overpower the group, arresting four individuals while others escaped. The illegal mining infrastructure at the location was dismantled afterward.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Massawudu Alhassan, 34; Zuberu Ahmidu, 32; William Boateng, 28; and Ernest Abeka, 22.
Preliminary investigations suggest the four men were among a larger group recruited by the site owner to protect the illegal mining activities. The suspects reportedly indicated that about 28 people had been engaged to guard the operation.
They have since been handed over to the Salma Police Station to aid ongoing investigations and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the incident, the NAIMOS Director of Operations cautioned illegal mining groups against confronting taskforce personnel. He emphasised that officers would defend themselves when attacked and affirmed that the secretariat remains committed to intensifying operations against illegal mining across the country.
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