Operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) have arrested two suspected illegal mining kingpins, a man and a woman during a targeted operation along the Offin River at Akomfrem in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region.

The intelligence-led raid, conducted on Saturday, April 25, 2026, between 1300 and 2150 hours, followed credible reports received at the NAiMOS headquarters indicating ongoing illegal mining activities on and along the Offin River.

Upon arrival at the site, taskforce members found several individuals actively engaged in galamsey operations. However, most of the suspects fled upon sighting the approaching security team.

Two individuals, identified as 36-year-old Comfort Abayie and 28-year-old Ayenga Abraham were apprehended at the scene. The suspects reportedly claimed ownership of the illegal mining site but failed to produce any valid documentation authorizing their activities.

A search conducted at the site led to the seizure of multiple items, including a Honda CR-V vehicle with registration number DV 9678Y-2025 belonging to Comfort Abayie, and a JMC pickup with registration number DV 4168-2026 driven by Ayenga Abraham. 

Additionally, three high-end mobile phones and two sachets of suspected unrefined gold dust were retrieved.

The NAIMOS taskforce also destroyed several illegal mining installations uncovered during the operation. 

These included six Changfan machines mounted directly on the river, one diesel welding machine, as well as various pipelines, water hoses, and makeshift structures used in the illicit activity.

The suspects, along with the retrieved mobile devices, have been handed over to the Nyinahini District Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

All seized exhibits have been duly documented, with NAIMOS taking custody for onward transfer to its headquarters for safekeeping.

NAiMOS has reiterated its commitment to combating illegal mining across the country, particularly along critical water bodies and forest reserves.

The Secretariat also urged individuals involved in such activities to desist or face the full force of the law.

The agency further expressed appreciation to members of the public whose timely and credible intelligence continues to support its operations.