The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has arrested four armed individuals engaged in illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.

The operation, conducted on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, formed part of the task force’s routine patrols when officers identified an active illegal mining site along the river. Upon approaching the site, the team was confronted by four armed men wielding machetes and pump-action guns, who were reportedly providing security for the illegal operation.

According to NAiMOS, the suspects resisted arrest and attempted to physically engage the task force in a bid to evade capture.

However, the officers successfully subdued and arrested all four individuals after a brief struggle.

The suspects have been identified as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects claimed to be operating under the authority of individuals they identified as “Ras,” “Mambo,” and “Nana Teku,” alleged to be based in Prestea.

These names have since been forwarded to the police to support ongoing investigations.

NAiMOS indicated that the activities at the site have caused extensive environmental damage, including the destruction of farmlands and forest areas, as well as significant pollution of the Ankobra River.

During the operation, the task force retrieved a number of items used in the illegal mining activities, including two pump-action guns, 82 AA cartridges, three machetes, a water pumping machine, and two control boards belonging to SDLG excavators.

Two excavators found at the site were immobilized on-site after their control boards were removed, rendering them inoperable due to the unavailability of low-bed transport services at the time.

The four suspects, along with their mobile phones and other seized items, have been handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigations and prosecution.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Asiedu received the suspects on behalf of the district command.

NAiMOS has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying anti-galamsey operations across the country despite increasing resistance from armed groups.

The Secretariat cautioned individuals involved in illegal mining to desist from violent confrontations, warning that such actions will not deter ongoing enforcement efforts.

The Secretariat also expressed appreciation to the public for their continued support and intelligence sharing, which it described as critical to the success of its operations.