The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in conjunction with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), conducted a strategic operation that successfully disrupted entrenched illicit mining networks in the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
On October 23, 2025, the NAIMOS Taskforce, in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security and with support from REGSEC, launched a coordinated mission that led to the arrest of nine persons parading themselves as Operatives from the National Security.
The operation sought to bring an end to the destruction of Ghana’s reserves that have been encroached upon by illegal miners.
Upon further investigations of the 9 arrested persons, it was discovered that they operated under the directive of an individual identified as Major Jabari.
After a thorough search, items retrieved include, one firearm, three rounds of ammunition, a toy replica of a pistol, a pump-action shotgun containing three cartridges, two sets of handcuffs, and eight pouches, all of which were confiscated as evidence for subsequent inquiry.
NAIMOS strategically positioned three tactical teams throughout the forest to secure entry and exit points and to arrest individuals of involvedin the illicit trade.
In the same light, NAIMOS operatives successfully thwarted an attempted bribery by individuals who arrived in a Toyota Tundra and a Ram pickup, asserting that they were affiliated to the arrested miners.
The operatives, demonstrating strategic prudence and professionalism. They earlier showed interest in taking a mouthwatering amount of Ghs120,000 before arresting the suspects on the grounds of attempting to interfere during a lawful arrest.
Subsequently, the taskforce delved further into the Oda River Forest Reserve to evaluate the magnitude of environmental degradation caused by the resurgence of unlawful mining activities.
Upon closer assessment, it became evident that unauthorized miners had constructed an improvised encampment deep within the reserve, comprising various wooden edifices and tents that functioned as both residences and operational hubs. The taskforce systematically dismantled the unlawful structures and set the equipment on fire.
The successful operations, particularly the one at Oda River Forest Reserve, signify a noteworthy achievement in Ghana’s persistent struggle against illegal mining.
The Director of Operations of NAIMOS, Colonel Dominic Buah, praised the collaborative efforts by his gallant men, characterizing the mission as “a paradigm of inter-agency cooperation and enforcement excellence.”
