The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested ten heavily armed Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, at Abusa in the Ashanti Region.
The arrests took place on October 23, 2025, during a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by NAIMOS in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The operation is part of a broader national campaign to dismantle illegal mining networks operating within the Oda River Forest Reserve.
In a statement, NAIMOS disclosed that the task force also apprehended nine armed men who had falsely identified themselves as National Security operatives.
The impostors, dressed in khaki uniforms, claimed they were acting on the orders of a man identified as “Major Jabari.”
A search conducted on the Chinese suspects led to the discovery of a pistol loaded with three rounds of ammunition, a toy pistol, a pump-action shotgun, several cartridges, and a pair of handcuffs—all of which were seized as evidence.
During the same operation, officers intercepted a group that allegedly 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 arrested.
The task force also uncovered a hidden settlement deep within the forest, where the illegal miners had constructed makeshift wooden structures and tents to support their activities.
According to NAIMOS officials, the site was dismantled, and all equipment was destroyed to prevent reoccupation.
Additional items, including vehicles, refrigerators, and rounds of ammunition, were also confiscated.
Authorities confirmed that all suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to uncover the full scope of their operations and identify potential collaborators.
Earlier, on October 8, 2025, NAIMOS arrested two Chinese nationals and intercepted a group of Burkinabè workers during separate anti-galamsey operations in the Western North and Western Regions.
Those arrests followed an intelligence-led operation in which the task force stormed the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in Jomoro, following reports of illegal mining activities along the Tano River.
