NAIMOS DISMANTLES ILLEGAL MINING NETWORK IN ODA RIVER RESERVE, ARRESTS ARMED IMPOSTERS AND BRIBERY SUSPECTS
A coordinated intelligence operation in the Ashanti Region led to the arrest of illegal miners, nine armed men posing as National Security personnel, and individuals attempting to bribe officers with GH₵120,000.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has conducted a major operation that dismantled extensive illegal mining networks in the degraded Oda River Forest Reserve.
During the intelligence-driven mission on October 23, 2025, the joint taskforce arrested fifteen illegal miners and nine armed individuals who were falsely presenting themselves as National Security operatives.
Acting on credible intelligence, NAIMOS deployed three tactical teams to secure access routes and intercept suspects. The arrested miners admitted they had been alerted about the taskforce’s arrival and were attempting to flee the reserve on motorbikes.
In a significant development, the team encountered nine armed men in khaki uniforms who claimed to be under the command of a “Major Jabari.” A search revealed a pistol with ammunition, a toy pistol, a pump-action shotgun, handcuffs, and other tactical gear, all seized as evidence.
The operation also exposed a brazen bribery attempt. Individuals arriving in a Toyota Tundra and a Ram pickup offered GH₵100,000 to secure the release of the arrested miners, plus an additional GH₵20,000 as “chop money.” NAIMOS operatives feigned interest before arresting the suspects.
Assessment within the reserve showed severe environmental degradation, with vast tracts of previously reclaimed forest destroyed. Illegal miners had established a makeshift settlement with wooden structures and tents, which the taskforce dismantled and set ablaze to prevent reoccupation.
Colonel Dominic Buah, Director of Operations of NAIMOS, praised the inter-agency cooperation, stating, “No individual, group, or impostor will be allowed to exploit Ghana’s natural resources with impunity.”
A parallel NAIMOS operation in the Western North Region also disrupted illegal mining activities at Oda Ahenkro, underscoring the nationwide scope of the anti-galamsey effort.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
