The task force of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four armed suspects for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.

The suspects were also accused of unlawful possession of firearms and causing environmental destruction in the area.

According to NAIMOS, the arrests were made on Wednesday, May 20, during a routine patrol by the task force at about 3:25 p.m., when officers discovered an illegal mining site operating along the river.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 21, the Secretariat said the task force encountered four armed men at the site who were allegedly acting as security personnel for the operation while also participating in the illegal mining activities.

“Upon arriving at the site, the task force was confronted by four armed thugs wielding machetes and pump-action guns,” the statement said.

NAIMOS stated that the suspects resisted arrest and attempted to obstruct the operation.

“The armed thugs resisted arrest and refused to surrender to the task force. Instead, they violently attempted to obstruct the operation and prevent their arrest. However, the task force successfully subdued the suspects, leading to their apprehension,” the statement added.

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

Following their arrest, the suspects were interrogated by the task force to gather intelligence on illegal mining activities in the area.

According to NAIMOS, the suspects claimed during interrogation that they were operating under the authority of certain National Security personnel identified only as Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, who are believed to be from Prestea.

The Secretariat said the names have been handed over to the police to support ongoing investigations.

NAIMOS further indicated that the activities of the suspects had caused extensive destruction to lands and forests in the area and contributed to pollution of the Ankobra River.

Items retrieved from the site included two pump-action guns, 82 AA cartridges, three machetes, one water pumping machine, and two SDLG control boards believed to be linked to excavators used in the operation.

The Secretariat also disclosed that two excavators were identified at the site. However, due to the immediate unavailability of low-bed transport services, the excavators were immobilised after their control boards were removed.

The suspects, together with their mobile phones and talisman, were later handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigations and possible prosecution.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Asiedu of the Esiama District Police received the suspects.

NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying anti-illegal mining operations across the country despite what it described as increasing threats from armed criminal groups.

“The Secretariat wishes to caution all illegal miners and armed thugs against any form of resistance, as the task force will not be deterred by such reckless actions,” the statement stressed.

The Secretariat also expressed appreciation to members of the public for supporting its operations through the provision of intelligence.