Story by Isaac Ochem
Ashanti Region, Ghana – October 23, 2025
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has executed a major intelligence-led operation that dismantled entrenched illegal mining networks within the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
The joint operation, launched on 23rd October 2025, saw the elite NAIMOS Taskforce, supported logistically by the Ashanti REGSEC, conduct a coordinated raid that led to multiple arrests, including nine armed imposters posing as National Security operatives.
Intelligence-Led Deployment and Arrests
The mission, meticulously planned by NAIMOS Headquarters and the Ashanti REGSEC, aimed to restore law and order to one of Ghana’s most environmentally degraded forest reserves.
Three tactical teams were deployed across the forest to secure access routes and intercept fleeing suspects. Acting on credible intelligence from local informants, operatives apprehended fifteen (15) illegal miners, some of whom admitted they had been tipped off about the taskforce’s movements.
During the sweep, NAIMOS operatives also encountered nine armed men in khaki uniforms who falsely identified themselves as National Security officers. Upon interrogation, the suspects allegedly claimed to be acting under the command of one “Major Jabari.” A subsequent search uncovered the following:
One (1) pistol with three rounds of ammunition
One (1) toy pistol
One (1) pump-action shotgun with three cartridges
Two (2) handcuffs
Eight (8) pouches
All items were seized as evidence for further investigation.
Foiled Bribery Attempt
In a related development, NAIMOS intelligence officers thwarted an attempted bribery by individuals who arrived in a Toyota Tundra and a Ram pickup, claiming to represent the arrested miners. The suspects offered GH₵100,000 and an additional GH₵20,000 as “chop money” in exchange for the release of their associates.
Exhibiting tactical restraint and professionalism, the operatives feigned interest in the offer before arresting the suspects for attempting to bribe law enforcement officers.
Environmental Devastation and Dismantling of Illegal Structures
Following the arrests, the taskforce advanced deeper into the reserve to assess environmental damage. The once-reclaimed forest—previously replanted with trees and palms—was found heavily degraded, with cleared vegetation, destroyed farmlands, and polluted water bodies.
Illegal miners had established makeshift settlements comprising wooden structures and tents, which served as operational bases. Acting under environmental protection directives, the taskforce dismantled and set these illegal structures ablaze to prevent reoccupation.
Concurrent Operations in Western North
In a parallel mission, another NAIMOS taskforce operating in the Western North Region conducted raids at Oda Ahenkro in the Amenfi West District, disrupting illegal mining operations and destroying several makeshift structures and equipment.
Commitment to Sustained Action
The successful Oda River operation marks a major milestone in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining and underscores the strength of inter-agency collaboration between NAIMOS and REGSEC.
Director of Operations at NAIMOS, Colonel Dominic Buah, praised the joint effort, describing it as “a model of inter-agency cooperation and enforcement excellence.”
> “No individual, group, or impostor will be allowed to exploit Ghana’s natural resources with impunity,” Colonel Buah stated. “Through sustained partnerships with Regional Security Councils, NAIMOS will continue to identify, dismantle, and neutralize illegal mining operations across the country — protecting our forests and water bodies for future generations.”
Below is the video of scene
