Some suspected illegal miners have been arrested by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) after its enforcement team encountered resistance from individuals armed with cutlasses and firearms at Subin Akwaboaso in the Central Region.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, November 1, 2026, during an operation involving NAIMOS personnel and members of the Special Boat Squadron (SBS).
According to the Secretariat, the enforcement team faced considerable resistance from a group of individuals, some of whom were wielding cutlasses, firearms and other offensive weapons.
The presence of the weapons, it said, created a risk to the safety of officers and other people at the location.
NAIMOS, however, said its personnel exercised maximum restraint in handling the situation under the direction of its Director of Operations, Colonel K. S. Appiah.
The team subsequently took decisive measures to prevent further escalation while carrying out its enforcement responsibilities.
In a statement on Monday, November 2, the Secretariat cautioned against attacks on its personnel and attempts to obstruct its operations.
“Considering the obstruction encountered, NAIMOS wishes to reiterate that any obstruction of lawful enforcement is a serious concern and individuals suspected of attacking personnel or obstructing operations will be referred to the relevant authorities for necessary action,” it said.
NAIMOS also maintained that it would continue to operate within the confines of the law while taking necessary and proportionate measures to safeguard its officers, journalists accompanying its teams and members of the public.
It urged community leaders and residents to support lawful anti-illegal mining operations and report their concerns through appropriate channels.
NAIMOS said it would continue collaborating with security agencies, regulatory institutions and local communities, with support from the government and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to protect the environment and strengthen efforts against illegal mining.
