The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, recording nineteen arrests and seizing dozens of equipment in two intelligence-led operations along the Offin River.

The operations, carried out by a NAiMOS taskforce based at Manso Adubia, targeted illegal mining hotspots at Droso and Eniamoah within the Amansie South enclave, in what authorities describe as a decisive effort to reclaim the river from galamsey activities.

In the first operation on April 12, 2026, NAiMOS operatives acted on intelligence gathered from local sources, moving swiftly to Droso where illegal mining was actively ongoing along the Offin River.

The taskforce encountered miners operating close to the waterbody with machinery in use.

Nineteen suspects, made up of both men and women aged between 23 and 35, were arrested at the scene.

Others fled upon sighting the security team.

Items retrieved during the raid included eight water pumping machines, five motorbikes, an excavator monitor, and an excavator key.

A day later, on April 13, the taskforce launched a second operation at Eniamoah, near Ntoboroso, following further intelligence on illegal mining activities.

Upon arrival, operatives observed extensive galamsey operations along the river. However, miners abandoned the site and fled before they could be apprehended.

The team seized fifteen motorbikes believed to belong to the fleeing operators, highlighting the scale and organization of the illegal mining network in the area.

NAiMOS officials say the scale of activity uncovered at Eniamoah underscores the growing pressure on the Offin River from illegal mining operations.

In response, the Secretariat has announced plans to deploy Blue Water Guards to intensify patrols within the Eniamoah and Ntoboroso areas, aimed at sustaining enforcement efforts and preventing a return of illegal miners.

The Secretariat emphasized that the twin operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-sharing among agencies in tackling illegal mining.

NAiMOS reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a strong operational presence along the Offin River until galamsey activities are completely eradicated, sending a clear signal that the river is no longer a safe haven for illegal miners.