A special night operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operational Secretariat (NAIMOS) has led to the arrest of seven suspected illegal miners at a notorious galamsey site in Armouri, located within the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region.

The deliberate night raid, carried out in the early hours of Friday, targeted an enclave believed to be one of the most active illegal mining hubs in the area.

According to security sources, the taskforce stormed the site and overpowered the miners, many of whom attempted to flee into the surrounding forest.

During the operation, officers set ablaze several makeshift structures used by the illegal miners, including a shrine reportedly operated by one of the suspects.

The taskforce said the shrine was believed to play a role in fortifying miners spiritually before engaging in their activities.

Authorities also confiscated two pump-action guns and 33 cartridges at the scene, raising concerns about the increasingly armed nature of illegal mining gangs.

NAiMOS officials noted that the coordinated operation forms part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining across the country, particularly in areas where miners have become emboldened and heavily fortified.

The seven suspects arrested during the raid are currently in custody and are expected to be handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

The taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the fight against galamsey to protect Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and natural environment.