In a significant intelligence-led operation, a joint task force has dismantled a major illegal mining site and arrested ten heavily armed Chinese nationals.
The operation, conducted on October 23, 2025, was carried out by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) within the Oda River Forest Reserve.
The operation led to multiple arrests, including nine individuals who falsely presented themselves as National Security operatives. Dressed in khaki uniforms, the impostors claimed to be acting under the direction of an individual identified as “Major Jabari.”
A subsequent search of the suspects yielded an arsenal of weapons, which were seized as evidence. The recovered items include a pistol with three rounds of ammunition, a pump-action shotgun, several cartridges, a toy pistol, and handcuffs.
In a separate but related incident, NAIMOS officers reported intercepting a group that attempted to bribe them with GH₵120,000 to secure the release of the detained illegal miners. The individuals involved in the bribery attempt were immediately taken into custody.
The operation also revealed a concealed settlement deep within the forest reserve, where the miners had established a base of operations with makeshift wooden structures and tents.
NAIMOS confirmed that the encampment was completely dismantled and all mining equipment was destroyed to prevent the site’s reoccupation. Additional seized assets included several vehicles, refrigerators, and further rounds of ammunition.
All arrested individuals are currently in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are working to determine the full scope of their illegal operations and identify any potential collaborators.
